Dentist

Becoming a Dentist is one of the hardest career goals to accomplish, but also one of the most rewarding careers. To become a Dentist you are looking at seven or eight years of college education, at the minimum. It takes close to ten years to become a specialist in Dentistry.

Dentists diagnose and treat disease of the gums, teeth, and mouth tissues. They also provide advice and care to help prevent further problems of the mouth and teeth. They remove and repair many types of mouth ailments, including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, replace fractured teeth, place protective coating on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and examine x-rays to determine the best course of treatment. Dentists give advice on proper brushing methods, usage of floss and mouthwash, as well as nutritional information that can benefit your teeth. Dentists also remove diseased and broken teeth, and make molds for dentures, bridges, and crowns. Their duties do not end with the teeth though. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases.

Dental schools have a prerequisite of two years of general college classes before consideration of acceptance. Most Dental students have to have at least a Bachelors degree, before acceptance, although some schools will allow a student to enter Dental School while still working on their Bachelors degree. Most Dental Schools recommend a major or minor in some type of science, biology, or health being the most prevalent. However this is not necessary, as long as you have taken and passed the required courses, such as biology, health, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Before entrance into Dental School, prospective Dentists must take and pass the Dental Admissions Tests (DAT's). You must have high scores on these tests and high grade point averages, as well as quality interviews and recommendations from Teachers and Staff. After all of this, you will still be looking at four years of Dental School to become a Dentist and an additional two years following if you are going to be a specialist. Finally you must take the state licensing test before practicing as a Dentist.

The expected growth in jobs for Dentists is very high. With the fact that people are living longer and taking better care of their teeth, the need for Dentists will always be high. Also people have a much better awareness about oral hygiene than they did fifty years ago. More people are going to the Dentist to keep their teeth healthy than ever before. Another trend to consider is the increased popularity of cosmetic procedures, such as braces, teeth whitening treatments, and color matching bridge and crown work. As long as people have teeth, they will need Dentists.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual salary for a General Dentist is close to $150,000. This salary can be higher if you are a specialist, such as an Orthodontist. This is all dependent on experience and location, but a $100,000 minimum salary for a Dentist is very possible. Even better, this salary only goes up as one gains experience. If you have the desire, drive, and perseverance, you can become a Dentist and have one of the most respected careers in the world.