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Dentist Overview - Preparation - Specialty Areas - Day In The Life -
Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations


Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth andtissues in the mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth.

They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Dentists use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. Lasers, digital scanners, and other computer technologies also may be used. Dentists wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.
Dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and the buying of equipment and supplies. They may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.

Dentist Resources

Online

Overview:
Overview of the work of Dentists

Preparation:
Programs, Preparation Tips

Specialty Areas:
Special Areas of Practice

Day in the Life:
Specialty Areas, the Workplace

Earnings:
Salary Ranges

Employment:
Statistics, Employment Options

Career Path Forecast:
Predictions for Dentists

Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support

Internet Resources:
American Dental Association
ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation
American Association of Women Dentists
American Dental Education Association
American Student Dental Association
History of Dentistry

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 


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