Dentists diagnose and treat problems of the teeth and gums. They have skilful hands and knowledge which is needed to perform oral exams and surgical procedures. Most dentists have their own private practices and run their own business.
Duties of a Dentist:
- Diagnose procedures based on x-ray and oral exams
- Diagnose tooth and gum disease
- Injury and decay
- Restore and remove diseased and decayed teeth
- Perform surgery
- The dentist fits for dentures, braces, bridgework and uses other tools available to align the teeth and jaw
- Supervise other staff
Work Requirements:
A dentist requires careful hand and eye coordination to perform work on the patients. They require compassion and patience for the patients that are in pain or afraid. There is little physical work, but the job required concentration for long periods of time. Some dentists work weekends and evenings.
Types of Work Environments:
- Private dental offices
- Hospitals
- Government agencies
Personality Requirements:
- Good visual and fine motor skills
- Critical decision-making skills
- Caring person
- Communication and leadership skills
- Small business skills
Education:
7-8 years post-secondary
At least 3 years (Bachelor’s Degree) at a university and then a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS)
Certification:
- National: Pass written and practical exams administered by National Dental Examining Board
- Ontario: Pass written examination with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a dentist:
- Physics
- Biology
- Math
- English
- Chemistry
Job placement – after 7-8 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered - Good
Improvements in technology and the growing population will keep the need for routine dental procedures rising. People are seeking cosmetic/esthetic procedures and with our aging population will increase the need for restorative dental work.
Wages:
Average annual income: $90,000 to $200,000
Specialist like orthodontists and periodontists make higher incomes.
Links:
Ontario Dental Association
http://www.oda.on.ca
Ontario Association of Orthodontists
http://www.oao.on.ca
Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC)
http://www.rcdc.ca
National Dental Examining Board of Canada
http://www.ndeb.ca
Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry
http://www.acfd.ca
Dental Related Internet Resources
http://www.dental-resources.com
American Dental Association (US)
http://www.ada.org
Job Futures: Dentists
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3111.shtml
