How to Become a Dentist

Dentists play an important role in ensuring patient health by examining teeth and gums, diagnosing and treating diseases, addressing oral malformations and repairing injuries. These medical professionals also provide preventative care and may fit patients with oral appliances such as retainers. Dentists must complete extensive schooling and receive state licensure before being permitted to practice. The average pay for dentists approaches $150,000 per year.

Education

Dental education starts in high school with students taking courses in science and mathematics to prepare them for college. Secondary school coursework includes chemistry, biology, algebra and trigonometry. Other recommended courses can vary from college to college.

In college, prospective dentists will need to meet and complete pre-dental requirements. At the University of Mary Washington, for example, those requirements include biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, genetics, anatomy, immunology and histology. Upon the completion of an undergraduate program, students may apply to a dental school.

Future dentists should work toward obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, students may seek admission into the School of Dentistry once they have completed at least 96 semester hours of education, or have obtained a B.A. or B.S. degree. Dental school is a four-year program that includes extensive classroom and clinical preparation. Licensing follows through the state’s Board of Dental Examiners.

Educators recommend that prospective students complete their undergraduate education before pursuing dental school. Students must sit for a written and oral exam in most states before licensing is granted. Licensing is renewed at proscribed intervals with fees paid to respective state agency. Virtually all dentists belong to the American Dental Association, a dental society founded in 1859.

Salaries

The median salary of dentists is $146,920 per year as of 2010 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent of dentists earned $71,210, with the top 10 percent earning $166,400 per year or more.

Dental salaries vary across the country and can depend on the practice, where it is located, number of hours worked and the speciality. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons as well as orthodontists receive the highest salaries. General dentists and prosthodontists earn salaries below the national average.

Of the 155,700 dentists employed as of 2010, 50,200 worked in private practice. The remaining 105,500 dentists work for a variety of employers including colleges, universities, health care services and government agencies.

Job Forecast

The dental profession, like most medical professions, is experiencing rapid growth. The BLS anticipates that the number of dentists in practice will increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020 with much of that growth attributed to aging baby-boomers needing advanced dental work. Many positions will open as established dentists retire from practice.

Despite the increased number of dentists anticipated, the BLS notes that there are many areas across the nation where dental care options are limited. Cosmetic services continues to expand, with many dentists offering this option. Dentists are increasingly relying on hygienists and assistants to handle many tasks, allowing them to take on more patients.

Considerations

If you are considering a dental career, your service is invaluable in helping the general public live healthier lives. Dentists are tasked with detecting gum disease and can identify oral cancer before this disease worsens. Dentists work with other oral care professionals and readily refer patients as necessary.

Sources

ONet OnLine: Summary Report for: 29-1021.00 – Dentists, General — http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1021.00
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dentists — http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm
University of Mary Washington: Predental Program — http://umwpremed.org/node/3
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Admissions Requirements — http://www.dentistry.unc.edu/academic/dds/admissionsrequirements.cfm

This is a guest post by Jon Engle.To find a dentist office in your area, consider Castle Dental with over 400 affiliated dental offices throughout 18 states. Learn more!