How to Choose a Career in Dentistry
Careers in dentistry are lucrative to many people as they offer high wages, flexible schedules and the opportunity to be your own boss if you choose to open your own practice. The American Dental Association expects the demand for dentists to grow in the next 20 years as a large number of current dentists are expected to retire and knowledge about oral health care allows more baby boomers and senior citizens to keep their original teeth. Now is the perfect time to consider the career opportunities available in this field and learn how to choose a career in dentistry.
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Instructions
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Check out the website for the American Dental Association (ADA). This professional organization is dedicated to promoting and serving the needs of dental professionals across the United States. To prevent a shortage of dentists in the future, it focuses on encouraging young people to choose careers in dentistry by reading information posted on their website about the salary, benefits and daily tasks of a dentist, as well as the education required.
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Learn about the different career options available in dentistry. Dentists have a variety of places they can work---from their own private practice to a hospital or public health facility. Some choose academic or forensic dentistry, which allows them to teach others about the career or examine dental remains from cadavers. You can find out more about the different places to work as a dentist by talking with a career adviser or counselor from a dental school in your state or region.
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Find out what education is required. Dentists are required to complete a bachelor's degree as well as spend three years in dental school. Much of the coursework consists of science and math classes, so high school students who want to become dentists are advised to take as much science and math in high school as they can. You can find out more about what you need to become a dentist as well as what classes to take in high school by speaking to your high school career counselor or an academic adviser at a dental school.
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Shadow a dentist. If you really want to see how a dentist spends his day, find one in your community that is willing to let you shadow him. Many are open to hosting students for a day and answering any questions you might have about careers in dentistry. The ADA encourages mentoring by dentists and lists on its website dentists across the United States who wish to mentor.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't think you can handle the science and math requirements dentists must pass, consider other careers in the dental field that don't require as much education.
