What does a Dentist do?
A dentist is a physician that works diagnosing and treating problems concerning patient's teeth and gums. They provide regular checkups and cleanings in addition to more detailed procedures like root canals or installing braces. A dentist is located in a dental medical facility and is usually an independent practice or small to medium business. They also complete x-rays in the office as well as evaluations for more extensive orthodontic procedures.
Each state requires dentists to be licensed and hold a degree from an accredited dental school. In addition, dentists are required to complete a residency program and work in their area of specialty before becoming fully licensed. Individuals who are interested in oral care, promoting healthy living and enjoy working closely with patients will likely excel as a dentist.
- Provide general dental care by cleaning teeth and filling cavities
- Repair and remove problematic or chipped teeth
- Correct teeth alignment or placement by installing braces
- Protect teeth by using sealants or using whitening treatments
- Recommend patients to dental specialists as needed for recommended procedures
- Instruct patients about best practices in oral health, and recommend the best brushes and toothpaste for their needs
- Create models of crowns and dentures by taking measurements and making models
- Review x-ray images captured in the office to determine the health of the teeth and potential areas of concern
- Doctoral degree in dental medicine
- Licensed to practice dentistry in the state of residency required
- Continuing education courses for new procedures and standards
- Experience working in accordance with HIPAA and other medical privacy laws
- Professional and compassionate demeanor when interacting with patients
- Personal accountability and attention to detail required
- Ability to multitask and make informed decisions accurately and quickly
- Experience working in a high-volume dental office and delivering exceptional care
- Strict adherence to sanitation requirements for tools and procedures
How much does a Dentist make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$251,957
/ yrDentist Career Path
Learn how to become a Dentist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Dentist Insights
Portman Dental Care“Excellent back office support meaning I can go to work and do what I do best”
“I got good experience from my college and good communication skill and I can do all the basic procedure”
Heartland Dental“I have a salary and benefits and get to do what I want and practice how I want.”
Heartland Dental“Get a Peter Pan make believe that this is gonna be a great collaborative partnership.”
Heartland Dental“Amazing opportunities to learn from docs that don’t just post good looking content on instagram but are actually thriving in real life practice.”
“Good and friendly environment to work with.”
“Career and personal development support is minimal.”
KKM“Stable and good salary . 2 days weekend”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Dentist
When working as a Dentist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Diagnosis, CPR, Written Communication, Strong VERBAL, and Interpersonal and Communication.
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Assistant
- Optician