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Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides and other aspects of dental care. Dentists also remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth and repair fractured teeth.
Most dentists are general practitioners, handling a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas:
- orthodontics
- oral and maxillofacial surgery
- pediatric dentistry
- periodontics
- prosthodontics
- endodontics
- public health dentistry
- oral pathology
- oral and maxillofacial radiology
How long will it take?
All 50 States and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most States, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations.
Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education prior to admittance. Most dental students have at least a bachelor’s degree before entering dental school.
At AC, you can complete the first two years of a four-year degree that will allow you to go on to dental school.
How much will you earn?
In May 2007, annual wages for general dentists ranged from $71,000 per year to $137,630 per year.
Where can you work?
In any city. Job prospects are expected to grow through 2016, especially as established dentists retire from practice. As members of the baby-boom generation advance into middle age, a large number will need complicated dental work, such as bridges.
AC can help you get there!
