Dentist

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Work Tasks

• Look for and treat problems of the teeth and tissues of the mouth
• Take x-rays, put sealants on teeth to protect them, fill cavities, replace missing teeth, treat gum disease, and make teeth straight
• Perform surgery on the gums and jawbone
• May supervise assistants, hygienists, and technicians
• Work indoors in offices that have a waiting room and an exam room
• Work with x-ray equipment, dental instruments, filling materials, false teeth, crowns, dentures, bridgework, braces, anesthesia, and surgical equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $160,000 average per year ($77.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (99,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.6% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
• Skills/Courses: Dental schools require applicants to have a minimum of two years of college-level pre-dental education, plus an additional two to five years in advanced dental training.
• Certification/Licensing: All states require dentists to be licensed.