What Is a Basic Job Description for a Dentist?
Dentists are health care professionals who care for teeth, gums and supporting bone and cartilage structures of the mouth and jaw. They complete extensive post-secondary education to gain the title of "doctor," and some dentists acquire further education in one of nine specialties. All states require licensing for dentists. Most dentists are general practitioners working in private practice or group clinics.
Other People Are Reading
-
Diagnostic Procedures
-
Dentists examine a patient's mouth for tooth cavities, mouth sores and signs of gum disease. They also examine X-rays, which typically are taken by dental hygienists.
General Treatment
-
General practice dentists fill cavities, install crowns on teeth that have had root canal surgery and extract teeth that cannot be saved.
-
Specialization Examples
-
Some of the specialization work includes straightening teeth with braces, performing root canals, treating gum disease and replacing teeth with implants or dentures.
Management
-
A dentist job description includes other tasks besides direct health care. They recruit, train and manage clinic staff, including dental hygienists and assistants. Dentists also manage budgets and promote their business through advertising.
Continuing Education
-
Dentists must keep on top of new developments in dentistry through continuing education, independent study, conferences and seminars.
-
