Description

Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in private practice or may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities.

Job Titles

• Dentist
• General practice dentist
• Pediatric dentist
• Pedodontist
• Public health dentist

Main Duties

• Examine patients’ teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate preventive or corrective treatment
• Provide general dental care such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, performing root canals, applying veneers, and fitting crowns, bridges and dentures
• Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth
• Instruct patients on oral hygiene and preventive dental care
• Monitor patient progress to identify changes or the progression of dental disease
• Prescribe antibiotics or other medication as required
• Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color
• Refer patients to dental specialists as needed for recommended procedures
• Supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants and other staff
• May provide basic orthodontic treatments with additional training.

Workplaces

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Private practice
• Public health facilities
• Universities

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Oral Communication: Oral Comprehension
• Oral Communication: Oral Expression
• Persuading

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control of Settings
• Deductive Reasoning
• Finger Dexterity
• Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Concern for Others
• Independence
• Active Learning
• Adaptability

Similar Occupations

• Denturists (32110)
• Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
• Dental technologists and technicians (32112)
• Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants (33100)

Source: OaSIS