Dentists: Job Duties and Requirements for Becoming a General Dentist
Dentists are medical professionals that provide tooth, gum and mouth care for patients. They provide patients with instructions on dental care and perform cleanings and a variety of dental procedures, including fillings and root canals. Dentists have many different career options and can work in a number of different fields including oral surgery and orthodontics.
Career Definition of a Dentist
Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating problems with the teeth, gums and tissue in the mouth. These doctors instruct individuals on brushing, flossing and all other aspects of dental care. Dentists will meet with patients in their office routinely and remove tooth decay, fill cavities, repair teeth and treat gum diseases.
How to Become a Dentist
Required Education for a Dentistry Career
According to the American Dental Association, www.ada.org, applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree before being admitted into dental school. Undergrads should focus on many science courses, like biology and chemistry. All applicants must take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), and dental schools will focus an individual's DAT score, GPA, recommendations and interviews. Dental school is a 4-year commitment and includes classes on microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical practices, safety and professional ethics. Dentists are required to be licensed in the state they are working in, which requires passing a written and practical examinations
Skills Required for a Career as a Dentist
A career in Dentistry requires excellent vision and an aesthetic eye regarding color, space and shape. Dentists need business sense, communication skills and self-discipline. These doctors also need to understand the use of dental equipment, and know how to supervise hygienists, assistants, technicians and receptionists.
Career and Economic Outlook for Dentistry
According to Salary.com, www.salary.com, the average yearly income for a Dentist was over $134,000 in 2006. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov reports that job opportunities for dentists are expected to remain strong through the coming decade. The greatest number of openings will be in underserved rural and urban communities.
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24 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- California (4 campuses)
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Florida (4)
- Missouri (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (3)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- Associate - Dental Assistant
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- Associate - Dental Hygiene
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Non-Degree
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- Dental Assistant
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- Patient Care Technician
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must live within close proximity to school locations
- Must be graduated from high school by 2011
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
- Florida (3 campuses)
- Texas (2)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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School locations:
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- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
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- Pennsylvania (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AS in Health Science
- AAS in Medical Assisting
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- California (10 campuses)
- Colorado (2 campuses)
- Florida (7)
- Georgia (2)
- Illinois (6)
- Indiana (1)
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Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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- Arizona (5 campuses)
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- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
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School locations:
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Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
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Online Programs
- Bachelor
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