Dentist

Dentists focus their practice on problems of the teeth or mouth, and activities range from preventive maintenance to oral surgery. Dentists are usually general practitioners and perform a wide range of dental procedures, although some do specialize, such as Orthodontists Oral surgeons and pediatric dentists. Orthodontists straighten teeth using braces and retainers; oral surgeons operate on the mouth and jaw; pediatric dentists work with children. There are, however, many more dental specialties, such as periodontists, who treat problems of the gums and supporting bones; prosthodontists, who replace missing teeth with; endodontists who perform root canals; and oral pathologists, who study oral diseases.

To become a dentist you need excellent visual memory, sound judgment, and manual dexterity. If you intend to start a private practice, you must also have good business skills.

Education and Credentials Required
Dentists must complete four years of undergraduate college, four years of medical school, and three to eight years of residency. Some medical schools combine undergraduate and medical school into a six-year program. Competition for admission to medical school is intense. The first two years of medical school focus on anatomy and microbiology; the second two years are spend working in real-world conditions under the supervision of physicians. Every state requires all physicians to be licensed. Upon completion of residency, the prospective physician must pass an examination in a board specialty.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for dentists are expected to rise as more slowly than average. Demand will rise, but dentists will be expected to hire dental assistants to cope with the increase. Dentists will be expected to focus on preventing the loss of teeth only.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for dentists was $123,210. Self-employed dentists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried Dentists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income.