Specialist Training in Dentistry
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that about 15 percent of practicing dentists are specialists. Specialty training for dentists lasts for two to three years after graduation from dental school. It gives dentists in-depth experience in a specialty area of choice and prepares dentists for board certification.
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Significance
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Dentists who have graduated from dental school and students who are in their final year of study are eligible to apply for specialty training programs. Other prerequisites for admission to specialty training are completion of board exams and interviews with faculty.
Types
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Dental school graduates can select from residency programs in a number of specialty areas including periodontics (treating diseases of the gums) orthodontics (applying braces to straighten the teeth) and pediatric dentistry (providing dental care to children). Specialty training programs are typically affiliated with a school of dentistry.
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Features
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Specialty training programs last two to three years. While curriculum varies by specialty, dentist specialty training consists of a combination of classroom learning, research and clinical training that provides the hands-on experience needed to develop expertise in the chosen specialty area. Some specialty training programs offer stipends and tuition waivers to admitted students.
Training
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Aspiring dental specialists study a variety of topics while in training. For example, prospective orthodontists take courses in biomechanics, appliance design and advanced head and neck anatomy. A student interested in dental anesthesiology studies pharmacology, pain control and elements of sedation as part of the residency program. To supplement their coursework, dental residents participate in clinical experiences.
Potential
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According to the BLS, employment growth for specialists is expected to grow as fast or faster as it is for general dentists. There is an anticipated demand for specialists to treat baby boomers and elderly patients as the population ages. There is also a greater demand for cosmetic dentists, who perform treatments such as teeth whitening and applying veneers to improve a patient's smile. While salaries vary depending on specialty, orthodontists earned $185,340 in 2007 and oral surgeons earned $178,440 on average, according to CollegeGrad.com, an online job resource website.
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References
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