Dentists: Career Information

*Career job information for job seekers and find good  employment  job

By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com Guide

Dentist Job Description:

Dentists examine patients' teeth and mouth tissue in order to diagnose and treat problems. Most are general practitioners, but some specialize by becoming: 

• orthodontists
• oral and maxillofacial surgeons
• pediatric dentists
• periodontists
• prosthodontists
• endodontists
• public health dentists
• oral pathologists
• oral and maxillofacial radiologists

Employment Facts for Dentists:

Dentists held about 141,900 jobs in 2008. Most were general practitioners (120,200), followed by orthodontists (7,700), oral and maxillofacial surgeons (6,700) and prosthodontists (500). There were 6,900 dentists working in other specialty areas.

Educational Requirements for Dentists:

To become a dentist one must attend a dental school that is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). To be accepted into one of the 56 (as of 2006) dental schools in the U.S., one must complete at least two years of predental education. Most dental school applicants have a bachelor's degree. All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). There is a great deal of competition for admission to dental school.

Other Requirements for Dentists:

After graduating from dental school, one must be licensed by the state in which he or she wants to practice. Individual states or licensing agencies administer written and practical exams which dental school graduates must take in order to become licensed. Candidates may take (and pass) the National Board Dental Examinations to fulfill the written part of the state licensing requirement.

Job Outlook for Dentists:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of dentists will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2018, but outlook will vary by specialty. Employment growth for prosthodontists, for example, is projected to be faster, through 2018, than it will be for all occupations requiring at least a master's degree.

Earnings of Dentists:

Salaried dentists earned a median annual salary of $142,090 in 2009. Many dentists, however are self employed, and earn considerable higher salaries.

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