How to Be Dentist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 3, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Visiting the dentist regularly can have a positive effect on oral health. When teeth are properly cleaned, plaque and tartar build-up is reduced, which helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Regular check-ups also allow the dentist to detect any issues early, so that they can be treated quickly and effectively.

dentists can provide advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as diet and lifestyle choices that can help maintain good oral health. visiting the dentist regularly can help ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a dentist is to earn a bachelor's degree. Most dental schools require applicants to have completed at least three years of undergraduate study in pre-dental, science, or liberal arts courses in order to apply.
Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Before applying to dental school, prospective students must take and pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT is a comprehensive exam that tests applicants knowledge of basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Apply to Dental School. Once applicants have earned a bachelor's degree and passed the DAT, they can apply to dental school. The application process typically includes submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree. Once admitted to a dental school, students typically complete four years of study in order to earn either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. During this time, they will gain hands-on experience with patient care by working in a clinic or laboratory setting.
Obtain Licensure. In order to practice dentistry in the United States, dentists must be licensed by their state. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but generally involve passing a written and practical examination.
Consider Specialization. After obtaining licensure, dentists may choose to specialize their practice in one or more areas of dentistry. Specialties include orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and endodontics. To become specialized, dentists must complete additional training and pass additional examinations.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential to maintain good oral health. Without regular check-ups, cavities and gum disease can develop, leading to pain, discomfort and increased risk of other health problems. Regular visits to the dentist allow for early detection and treatment of any developing problems.

This can help prevent the need for more invasive and costly treatments in the future. through proper cleanings and use of fluoride treatments, the dentist can help strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist can also help maintain a healthy, attractive smile, boosting confidence and overall well-being.

You may want to check Periodontist, Orthodontic Front Desk Receptionist, and Orthodontic Clinical Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and other conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth.
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease.
Provide preventive care, including cleaning and fluoride treatments.
Advise patients on proper oral hygiene and techniques for effective tooth brushing and flossing.
Create treatment plans for patients and discuss expected outcomes.
Extract teeth and perform root canals and other specialized procedures.
Make dental impressions of patients teeth for study casts (models of teeth).
Fabricate temporary restorations and complete dental prostheses (bridges, dentures, crowns).
Order laboratory tests, take and develop x-rays, and analyze results.
Prescribe medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers, as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of standard dental practices and procedures
Ability to diagnose and treat dental problems
Expertise in using and maintaining dental instruments and equipment
Ability to create treatment plans for patients
Ability to explain dental procedures and treatment options to patients
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry
Good interpersonal skills to interact with patients
Excellent manual dexterity
Good communication and problem solving skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently

Good communication skills are essential for a successful career as a dentist. Being able to listen to and understand a patients concerns and symptoms, being able to explain procedures, answer questions and provide reassurance are all integral parts of the job. A dentist must also be able to work collaboratively with other health care professionals including hygienists, radiographers, dental technicians and orthodontists.

This ability to effectively collaborate and coordinate care will help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. having strong organizational skills is critical for a dentist, as they must manage and keep track of a large number of patients and their treatments. On top of these communication and organizational skills, a dentist must also have a strong background in science and mathematics, as this will enable them to understand the anatomy of the mouth, diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments.

Lastly, dentists must be proficient in the use of the latest dental equipment and technologies. By having these skills, dentists can ensure that they provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

Aesthetician, Orthodontic Assistant, and Pediatric Dentist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Tell me about your experience in the field of dentistry?
What challenges have you faced as a dentist and how did you overcome them?
What experience do you have in providing preventative dental care?
How do you maintain a positive relationship with your patients?
Describe a difficult dental procedure you have performed in the past.
What techniques do you use to reduce fear and anxiety in nervous patients?
How do you stay on top of the latest advancements in dentistry?
What is your approach to patient education and communication?
What do you think sets you apart from other dentists?
What would you consider to be your strongest asset as a dentist?

Common Tools in Industry

Dental Drill . A hand-held tool used to cut and shape teeth. (eg: Used to shape a cavity. )
Air Polisher . A tool used to polish and clean teeth. (eg: Used to remove plaque and tartar. )
Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler . A device used to remove calculus and plaque. (eg: Used to remove calculus near the gum line. )
Plaster Mixer . A machine used to mix and prepare dental plaster. (eg: Used to make a dental impression mold. )
Amalgamator . A device used to mix dental amalgam. (eg: Used to mix silver and mercury for a filling. )
Orthodontic Pliers . Specialized pliers used for orthodontic work. (eg: Used to adjust braces and wires for teeth alignment. )
Dental X-Ray Machine . A machine used to take X-rays of the teeth and surrounding structures. (eg: Used to view the internal structures of teeth. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
American Association of Endodontists
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American College of Prosthodontists
International College of Dentists
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
American Board of Dental Examiners

We also have Oral Surgeon, Hygienist, and Orthodontics Billing and Coding Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Oral Hygiene. Practices and techniques to maintain the health of the teeth and gums, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
Oral Health. The overall well-being of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and other tissues.
Dental Caries. A bacterial infection of the tooth that can result in cavities.
Periodontal Disease. A bacterial infection of the gums that can cause inflammation, swelling, and bone loss.
Prosthodontics. A branch of dentistry that focuses on the repair and replacement of missing teeth.
Endodontics. A branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp.
Orthodontics. A branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions (improper bite).
Pediatric Dentistry. A branch of dentistry that focuses on the care of childrens teeth.
Oral Surgery. A surgical procedure performed in the mouth, such as a root canal or extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a dental checkup?

The average cost of a dental checkup is approximately $85.

How often should I see a dentist?

It is recommended to visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the damaged areas of the tooth, cleaning and then filling the area.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A dentist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating dental issues, while an orthodontist is an expert in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

What is the difference between a filling and a crown?

A filling is used to repair a cavity or cracked tooth and is made from composite material. A crown is used to cover a large area of a damaged tooth and is usually made from ceramic or metal.

Web Resources

Dentist | American Denturist College - adc.edu adc.edu
Dentist | School of Dentistry dentistry.umn.edu
Dentists | College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics - The University of Iowa dentistry.uiowa.edu