Becoming a Dentist

Dentist Las Vegas devote their careers to improving the oral health of individuals and families. This profession is dynamic, providing new opportunities for career advancement each year.

Many dentists choose to apprentice with an established practitioner for several years, then purchase their own practice. Others work in community health clinics and hospitals.

Becoming a dentist is an arduous process that requires years of study and hands-on training. These healthcare professionals often have advanced degrees and specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of oral health issues. They work independently or with a team of dental specialists, including surgeons, hygienists and assistants. Dental care professionals also work in the research and development of new products and technologies for dental patients.

The first step is completing an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. Although dental schools don’t require applicants to major in a specific field, students who want to become dentists should pursue a degree that offers relevant coursework. A strong GPA and high scores on the Dental Admission Test will increase a student’s chances of acceptance into a program. Many universities offer pre-dental programs that help students develop a course of study that will best prepare them for the requirements of a dental school.

Dental school consists of four years of intensive, hands-on learning. The first two years of dental school focus on the clinical and natural science aspects of dentistry. During this time, students learn about topics like anatomy, cell biology and dental procedures through classroom lectures and laboratory assignments. The final two years of school involve direct patient experience and practice management instruction. Students often spend time caring for chronically ill, disabled, special needs and geriatric patients to ensure that they are ready to work in a variety of settings.

After graduation, dentists must obtain a license to practice in their desired state. Each jurisdiction has different licensing requirements, but most require an educational component, a written exam and a clinical exam. The ADA notes that a dentist must be knowledgeable in all areas of dentistry to provide the best care possible for their patients.

Dentists who wish to focus on a specific area of dentistry must complete an additional one- or two-year residency program after graduation. This gives them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen specialty and prepares them for an exam that will earn them certification to practice in the field.

Job Duties

Whether they are working on the front desk or in the operating room, dentists are trained professionals who help people care for their teeth and mouths. They diagnose dental ailments and perform procedures to correct them, including fillings, root canals, and extractions. They also advise patients on good oral hygiene. They may also have administrative duties such as managing a practice or providing staff training.

Depending on the exact nature of their job, dentists might have to work with patients who are nervous or afraid of dental procedures. As a result, it is important for dentists to be excellent communicators who can put their patients at ease. They need to be able to explain complex medical concepts in a way that is easy for laypeople to understand, as well as educate patients on how to maintain a healthy mouth.

Dentists also need to be able to keep up with the latest innovations in their field, as dental care continues to evolve at a rapid pace. To this end, they might read professional journals or attend conferences to stay on top of new developments. Some dentists might even start their own practice, although this is a more challenging career path that requires extensive research and financial assistance to get started.

Other job duties of a dentist might include designing, making, or fitting prosthodontic appliances. They might also need to write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists and dental technicians. Moreover, they might need to inspect, clean, and sterilize tools and equipment. Lastly, they might need to administer anesthesia or other medications to control pain or discomfort during a procedure.

Dentists who own their own practices may also be responsible for managing administrative matters such as billing, marketing, and human resources. They might be expected to set productivity goals for their clinics and help their staff reach those targets. Furthermore, they might be required to travel between different clinics in their area as part of their responsibilities. Finally, they might be required to supervise dental assisting students or residents at their practices. Regardless of the specific nature of their job, all dentists are responsible for keeping accurate patient records and complying with State and Federal regulations.

Requirements

Dental school can be a long and arduous journey. It is important for prospective dentists to have a strong desire and commitment to the profession. They also must have good critical thinking, communication and leadership skills to work in a team-oriented environment. The ability to work under pressure and within the strict time constraints produced by appointment times is also necessary. Finally, a fair amount of physical dexterity is required to handle small instruments and tools.

Like medical doctors, dentists must complete a rigorous path of study and pass both written and clinical exams. Most dentists spend four years at an American Dental Association-accredited dental school. This is followed by several years in private practice, where they can choose to specialize in a number of areas including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. To become licensed, dentists must successfully pass state or regional exams and maintain a certain level of continuing education credits.

While you don’t need a specific degree to become a dentist, it is helpful to have a bachelor’s in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry or health science to help you get into dental school. Many schools have pre-dental clubs or programs that can connect you with experience in the field and boost your GPA score for applications to school. You will also want to take all required prerequisite courses such as math, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology.

In addition to the academic requirements, admission to dental school is highly competitive. Admissions committees look at a wide variety of factors including GPA, Dental Acceptance Test (DAT) scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and personal statements. Many students choose to pursue a master’s or doctorate in a health related subject to increase their chances of becoming a dentist.

Dental procedures require an incredible amount of attention to detail. Dentists must be able to recognize even the smallest of changes in their patients’ mouths, which may indicate a problem with their overall health. Some problems, such as gum disease or infections in the oral cavity, can be indicative of underlying systemic issues such as diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications.

Work Environment

Whether you are a dentist, or are thinking about becoming one, you’re going to need to be competent and well-organized. Dental offices are fast-paced environments with tight schedules, and there is often no room for error when dealing with patients’ oral health.

The work environment is also demanding, physically and emotionally. You may have to stand or sit for long periods of time, and you’re likely to experience some discomfort during the procedures you perform on a regular basis. In addition, you’ll be dealing with patients of all ages and backgrounds, so strong communication skills are essential to your success as a dentist.

Dentists have a wide variety of career options, including private practice and public service. Public service positions are a good way to gain experience, and they also help you reach people who otherwise might not have access to quality oral health care. Community health centers, for example, provide dental services to low-income residents of rural areas. Hospitals, meanwhile, partner with dentists to treat people with medical conditions that impact their oral health.

Dentistry is a team-oriented profession, and it’s important for dentists to have good working relationships with other professionals on their teams. You’ll need to be able to collaborate effectively with dental hygienists, assistants and laboratory technicians, as well as doctors and nurse practitioners.

Lastly, you’ll need to be a skilled negotiator when it comes to establishing fees with insurance companies and other providers. This isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary skill for any successful dental practitioner.

The benefits of a job in dentistry include intellectual and artistic fulfillment, a relatively flexible work schedule, and the opportunity to continue your education. As a profession that’s constantly evolving, there’s no shortage of new tools and techniques you can learn to enhance your practice. You’ll also find great satisfaction from providing benevolent healthcare for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to receive it. However, the work can be stressful and competitive, and it’s not uncommon for dentists to work long hours. If these aren’t your preferences, consider a different career path.