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Dentists, General

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

What you’d do

  • Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
  • Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
  • Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
  • Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
  • Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
  • Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
  • Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
  • Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • DDS (Dental Surgery Doctor)
  • Dentist
  • Family Dentist
  • General Dentist
  • DMD (Dental Medicine Doctor)
  • Endodontist

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