How to Be Dental Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 27, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Poor dental hygiene can lead to a number of dental issues, such as cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in plaque and eat away at the enamel of the teeth, leading to decay. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues around the teeth, and if left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone.

Tooth loss can result from periodontal disease, cavities, trauma, or wear and tear over time. All of these conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and a decrease in overall oral health. To prevent these issues from occurring, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and visiting a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

By taking preventative measures, you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong for many years to come.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program. You must first obtain a bachelor's degree in order to apply to dental school. This should be a pre-dental program, which includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
Take the Dental Admission Test. The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required for admission to dental school. It is a computer-based exam that measures your knowledge of the sciences and your aptitude for dentistry.
Apply to Dental School. After completing the DAT, you can begin applying to dental school. Most dental schools require letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Attend Dental School. Once accepted, you'll attend dental school for four years. During this time, you'll learn about the anatomy of the teeth and gums, how to diagnose and treat oral diseases, and how to administer anesthesia and perform various dental procedures.
Obtain a License. After graduating from dental school, you must obtain a license in order to practice dentistry. This requires passing written and practical exams administered by your state's dental board.
Consider Specialization. While many dental surgeons are general practitioners, some choose to specialize in an area such as pediatric dentistry or orthodontics. To do this, you must complete a two-year residency program in the specialty of your choice.

Staying ahead and qualified as a dental surgeon requires a commitment to continual education and training. Dental surgeons must stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and adhere to the highest standards of care, which can only be achieved through continuing education. This includes attending conferences and seminars, reading relevant literature and journals, and taking advanced courses in specialty areas.

dental surgeons must maintain a valid license and participate in professional organizations to stay abreast of the latest changes in dental regulations and laws. By keeping these commitments, dental surgeons can stay ahead of the curve and remain qualified in their field.

You may want to check Dental Lab Technician Trainer, Dental Biller, and Dental Staff Trainer for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums.
Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, and other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
Clean, fill, extract, or repair teeth and remove calculus and stains from teeth.
Provide preventive care, such as cleaning and fluoride treatments.
Design bridges, dentures, and other dental prostheses to replace missing teeth and related oral structures.
Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during treatments.
Instruct patients on oral hygiene and dental care.
Educate patients on the importance of diet and nutrition for their oral health.
Perform oral surgery, such as surgical extractions of impacted teeth or corrective jaw surgery.
Supervise assistants and other dental personnel in their duties.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the oral cavity.
Expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of dental and oral health conditions.
Ability to use a variety of dental instruments, including drills and x-ray machines.
Skilled at performing various dental procedures, including extractions, fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants.
Knowledge of current dental treatments, materials, and techniques.
Ability to provide patient education on preventive care and oral health care.
Excellent communication skills to effectively explain treatment plans to patients.
Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Aptitude for staying abreast of new technology and research in the field of dentistry.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and attention to detail.

Good communication skills are essential for any dental surgeon to be successful in their profession. Effective communication helps build trust with patients, which is an important aspect of developing a successful dental practice. good communication skills enable a dental surgeon to explain procedures and treatment plans clearly, answer questions, and provide emotional support to patients.

Furthermore, the ability to understand and respond to patient concerns and fears helps to build a relationship of trust and respect. strong communication skills also help the dental surgeon to work effectively with other health care professionals, such as nurses and lab technicians, in order to coordinate patient care and ensure optimal outcomes. Finally, effective communication helps the dental surgeon to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Dental Production Manager, Dental Office Manager, and Dental Scheduling Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in dental surgery?
What experience do you have in dental operations?
What challenges have you experienced in the past when treating patients?
How do you ensure that you stay up to date on the latest dental technologies and procedures?
What methods do you use to inform patients of their treatment options and associated costs?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to a patients care.
In what ways do you ensure that your dental office is in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations?
How do you handle difficult or unhappy patients?
Are there any areas of dentistry that you specialize in?
How do you maintain a positive attitude when dealing with long hours and stressful situations?

Common Tools in Industry

Dental Drill. A rotary tool used to remove tooth decay and shape teeth (eg: example: Endodontic drill).
Dental X-Ray Machine. A machine used to take intraoral images of the jaw and teeth (eg: example: Intraoral x-ray machine).
Surgical Instruments. Tools used to perform surgical procedures on the teeth and gums (eg: example: Surgical forceps).
Suction Device. A device used to suck away saliva and debris during dental procedures (eg: example: High-speed suction).
Local Anesthesia Delivery System. A device used to deliver local anesthetic to the desired area (eg: example: Dental syringe).
Dental Loupes. Magnifying glasses worn by dentists to magnify the area being worked on (eg: example: LED dental loupes).
Ultrasonic Scaler. An electric tool used to remove tartar and plaque from teeth (eg: example: Cavitron ultrasonic scaler).
Handpieces. Tools used to hold and rotate dental instruments (eg: example: High-speed handpiece).
Autoclave Sterilizer. A device used to sterilize all instruments prior to use (eg: example: Midmark M11 autoclave).
Intraoral Camera. A camera used to take digital images of the mouth (eg: example: Digital intraoral camera).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Association (ADA)
American Academy of Dental Practice Administration (AADPA)
American Association of Endodontists (AAE)
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Academy of Operative Dentistry (AOD)
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR)
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)
American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP)
American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA)
American Society of Dentistry for Children (ASDC)
International College of Dentists (ICD)
International Association for Dental Research (IADR)
National Dental Association (NDA)

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Common Important Terms

Oral Hygiene. The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Dental Prophylaxis. A preventive dental procedure used to remove plaque and bacterial deposits from the teeth and gums.
Scaling and Root Planing. A deep cleaning procedure to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria from beneath the gumline.
Restorative Dentistry. The practice of repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth.
Orthodontics. The practice of correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
Periodontics. The study and treatment of diseases of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
Endodontics. The branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pulp and root canals.
Prosthodontics. The branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring missing or damaged teeth with artificial replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dental Surgeon?

A Dental Surgeon is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.

What qualifications do Dental Surgeons need?

To become a Dental Surgeon, one must complete a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree program. A license is also required to practice in most states.

What procedures do Dental Surgeons perform?

Dental Surgeons may perform a variety of procedures such as tooth extractions, root canals, fillings, crowns, bridges, and other cosmetic dentistry.

What is the average salary of a Dental Surgeon?

The average salary of a Dental Surgeon in the United States is about $166,400 per year.

How long does it take to become a Dental Surgeon?

It typically takes 8 years of education and training to become a Dental Surgeon. This includes 4 years of dental school and 4 years of residency training.