Dentist Job Description

A dentist is a healthcare provider that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders of the oral cavity. Dentists are responsible for performing dental exams, cleaning teeth, filling cavities, extracting teeth, installing braces, and performing cosmetic procedures.

• Diagnosing and treating oral diseases, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
• Educating patients on proper oral hygiene and preventive care.
• Performing routine dental procedures, such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
• Taking and interpreting dental X-rays.
• Administering local anesthetics to numb the area before treatment.
• Creating and fitting prosthetic devices, such as dentures and crowns.
• Repairing fractured or decayed teeth.
• Performing root canals and other endodontic treatments.
• Monitoring growth and development of teeth and jaws.
• Keeping detailed records of patient care and treatment plans.

• Patience: Dentists must be able to remain patient and calm when working with patients, especially those who may be anxious or in pain.
• Compassion: Dentists should be able to empathize with their patients and show understanding and compassion.
• Attention to Detail: Dentists must pay close attention to detail in order to accurately diagnose and treat dental issues.
• Communication Skills: Dentists must be able to effectively communicate with their patients and staff in order to provide quality care.
• Technical Skills: Dentists must have the technical skills to perform procedures safely and accurately.
• Interpersonal Skills: Dentists must be able to build trust and rapport with their patients in order to provide the best care possible.
• Integrity: Dentists must be honest and ethical in their practice.

On any given day, a dentist will typically start by seeing and treating patients. They will typically screen for cavities and gum disease, and provide preventive care such as x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. They may also repair damaged teeth as needed through fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. Depending on their expertise, they may also provide cosmetic services such as teeth whitening or veneers. Dentists will often coordinate with other medical professionals for more complex treatments.

Becoming a dentist requires a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience, and those without dental experience may still have a variety of backgrounds that could make them successful in this field. People considering a career in dentistry may have had experience working in healthcare fields such as nursing or anesthesiology, or have had jobs in the service industry that required precision and working with people, such as a barista or a hairdresser. Additionally, dental-specific experience may be gained through dental assistant roles or through a dental laboratory technician role. Here is a list of 5-10 job titles that could help prepare someone for a career in dentistry:

• Anesthesiologist
• Nurse
• Barista
• Hairdresser
• Dental Assistant
• Dental Laboratory Technician
• Dental Hygienist
• Medical Receptionist
• Veterinary Technician
• Physical Therapist Assistant