First Year Dentist Job Description

First-year dentists must have good clinical and business skills.

Dentists are licensed health care providers who treat problems of the teeth and gums, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. These individuals filled 141,900 jobs in 2008, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aspiring first-year dentists should be ready to complete at least eight years of training beyond high school to be successful in this field.

Duties

First-year dentists are responsible for removing decay from patients’ teeth, filling cavities and using dental radiographs to diagnose problems in patients’ oral cavities. These individuals also perform surgery to treat disease of the gums and bone, extract teeth and even create models that can be used to fabricate prosthetic devices to replace missing teeth.

In addition to providing quality clinical treatment in their first year, dentists must work to build a strong customer base by advertising their services and introducing themselves to other dentists who can refer patients to them. They also closely watch bookkeeping activities to track the production of their new practice. First-year dentists additionally might hire dental hygienists and dental assistants who can help them build their newly purchased or opened practice as well.

Some first-year dentists choose to work as associate dentists, where they work for other established dentists to gain experience and save up money before opening their own dental office. Those who are self-employed also must seek out their own benefits such as health insurance or malpractice insurance during their first year in the profession.

Skills

Strong manual dexterity and the ability to provide dental treatment safely and effectively are critical for first-year dentists. New dentists also must have solid written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills for marketing themselves to other health care providers and potential patients. They additionally should have a good business sense and be self-directed. Good time management, analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills also are important for having a prosperous first-year dental practice.

Education

Completing four years of dental school is a requirement for first-year dentists. Before enrolling in dental school, aspiring dentists typically must have a bachelor’s degree in areas such as biology or chemistry. They also must complete the Dental Admissions Test and submit competitive grade point averages and recommendation letters. While in dental school, students practice working on real patients in a dental clinic. After dental school, they can choose to study to become a specialty dentist such as an orthodontist--who straightens teeth--or an endodontist--who performs root canal therapy. This requires two to four years of postgraduate education and possibly a postgraduate residency that lasts up to two years as well.

Licensure

Before becoming a first-year dentist, an individual must be licensed to practice in his state. Licensure involves passing the National Board Dental Examinations written exam as well as a practical examination given by a regional or state testing agency. First-year dentists who have studied a dental specialty also must pass a special state examination in this area of study.

Outlook

Employment of dentists is projected to climb by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The outlook remains strong for first-year dentists because more people are emphasizing preventive oral care and older people are keeping their natural teeth. The median salary of a dentist with less than one year of experience in 2010 was $100,000, while the figure was $122,000 for dentists who had one to four years of experience, according to SalaryExpert.com.

References

• BLS: Dentists
• SalaryExpert: Dentist Salary