Information About Dentists
Dentists are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing, maintaining, and managing the mouths of their patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dentists should grow by about 9 percent between 2006 and 2016. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are many different types of dentists. General practitioners do all types of exams and restorative work, They may do more specialized work, such as root canals and cosmetic restoration, depending upon their training and skills. Orthodontists place and maintain braces on patients, prosthodontists restore and replace teeth, periodontists treat gum disease, pediatric dentists treat only children, and maxillofacial surgeons may perform surgery to in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.
Training
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Dentists must complete at least two years of undergraduate experience (though a Bachelor's degree is preferred) and four years of school at a dental program. The last two years of dental school are spent treating actual patients.
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Skills
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Dentists must be good with their hands, have good vision, and be able to communicate effectively with patients. They must have business acumen, as many work for themselves. Finally, a dentist must be willing to commit to lifelong learning, as the field of dentistry changes constantly.
Work Environment
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A dentist is a sole proprietor--he works for himself (though he may also work as part of a partnership) so he sets his own hours. Many dentists work about 40 hours per week by appointment.
Earnings
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The median salary for dentists is more than $136,000 per year.
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