Dentist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dentists diagnose and treat any problems or issues involving the patient’s teeth, gums or any area related to his/or her mouth. As they provide the patient with information involving oral care. Informing the patient of diet choices may also help and affect the patient's oral health.

In a dentist’s daily responsibilities and duties, they usually:

• Fill in cavities if the patient is seen to have any
• Place sealants or any whitening products on teeth
• Perform x-rays of teeth, gums, and jaw in order to examine
• Teach patients of flossing, diets, the use of fluoride, and other types of dental care

Salary: $158,310(median annual wage of 2015)

Education:

Most dental schools require courses such as biology and chemistry to be taken before being enrolled. As well as a bachelor’s degree to enter, with majoring in science with biology may increase the chances of being accepted. To practice any of the nine specialties in the dental practice, it will take additional training to practice that one specialty. This training is usually a 2-4 years in residency for that specialty. As all states require a license, it may vary depending on the state.

Demand for this profession:

This profession is expected to grow by an estimate of 18%, this is to occur from 2014-2024. As demand for dental care will increase for dental cosmetics would increase in popularity with health insurance gaining more access.

Reflection: Do you think you would like to be one? Why? Why not?

No I would not like to be a dentist, or any other career in dentistry. As I would have no endurance or patients with their oral care. I feel that i should care for myself and my own health before I’m ready to care and treat others. It is just something that I see more logically, so it helps me reestablish my choice of any future careers.