Dentist - Training & Careers

What Dentists Do

Dentists treat your mouth, from the lips, gums, tongue and teeth outwards. Although a trip to the dentist sometimes results in a drilling and filling, dentists also apply sealants, perform gum and oral surgery, straighten or repair teeth and make dentures. A dentist teaches their patients how best to take care of their teeth and mouth by brushing and flossing regularly.

Training to Become a Dentist

Dentists must be knowledgeable in the habitat of the mouth, lips, gums, tongue and teeth. School to become a dentist usually lasts 4 years, including two years of treating patients under supervision. People who want to become a dentist must know and be able to identify diseases, decay and other problems. In order to recognize all the signs of healthy or unhealthy teeth, they need a lot of training. As a dentist you can choose to specialize in any of these areas as an orthodontist, an oral/maxillofacial surgeon, a root canal specialist or prosthodontists, who create replacement teeth.

Careers as a Dentist

Dentists can earn more than $100,000 per year, a good reward for the time spent in school. If you don't have the time for dental school but you still desire a career in dental health, look into vocational programs for dental assisting and hygiene. You can clean, polish and evaluate teeth alongside a dentist, a day job that will definitely give you an advantage if you pursue a career as a dentist.

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