Day in the Life
Most dentists work four or five days a week. Some work evenings and
weekends to meet their patients' needs. Most full-time dentists work
between 35 and 40 hours a week, but others work more. Initially,
dentists may work more hours as they establish their practice.
Experienced dentists often work fewer hours. Many continue in part-time
practice well beyond the usual retirement age.
Most dentists are solo practitioners, meaning that they own their own
businesses and work alone or with a small staff. Some dentists have
partners, and a few work for other dentists as associate dentists.
Dentists in private
practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including
bookkeeping and buying equipment and supplies. They may employ and
supervise dental hygienists,
dental assistants,
dental laboratory
technicians, and receptionists.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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