If you’re considering a career in dentistry, you’re probably wondering how to become a dentist. This article will provide an overview of what it takes to become a dentist, the education requirements, the duties and responsibilities of a dentist, and the salary range for this profession. Read on to learn more about the career outlook for dentists. If you have a passion for helping people and practicing dentistry, you’ll love the job as much as we do.
Career outlook for dentists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment see more for dentists will increase by 19 percent per year through 2026. This growth rate is much higher than the national average for all occupations. Among the reasons for the growth are the growing baby boomer population, continuing research that links oral health with overall health, and a growing need for dental services. There will also be continued growth in specialty areas, with recent advances being made more affordable for the public.
The demand for dentists will remain high in the foreseeable future, despite an increase in dental school applications. As the U.S. population ages, it will likely increase the number of people seeking dental care. Additionally, the market for dental crowns and bridges is projected to grow at 7.2% a year through 2025. The new techniques and procedures have also increased dentists’ popularity and opened up new revenue streams. These trends are likely to continue to fuel growth in practices nationwide, making the job outlook for dentists brighter than ever.
Education requirements
Continuing education is a mandatory requirement for dental professionals. As of July 1, 2008, dentists must complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years. Dentists must display a certificate showing they have completed this education at all of their offices. To do so, they must attend meetings sponsored by dental organizations, take continuing education courses, and complete required examinations. The requirements are different for hygienists, who need to earn a master’s degree to practice in the state.
Upon completion of dental school, a future dentist will be awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD). The coursework for future dentists includes classroom study and lab work. The final two years of schooling include an internship. Interns will rotate through different dental specialties, gaining hands-on experience while assisting with procedures. Upon graduation, a dentist can practice general dentistry, but may pursue specializations as well.
Job duties
A dentist’s job duties include performing dental treatments, diagnosing oral diseases, and educating patients about their dental health. They use diagnostic equipment to detect oral diseases, prescribe medication, and apply sealants to teeth. They may also prescribe or perform procedures involving the use of anesthetics. Dentists also diagnose and treat injuries, malformations, and diseases of the teeth, and communicate with other members of the dental team. A doctorate in dental medicine is required to become a dentist.
Dentists perform a variety of procedures to diagnose dental problems, including performing X-rays, restoring tooth color, and removing decay. They also perform oral surgeries and analyze results associated with a patient’s dental care. Some dentists even supervise dental assistants and handle insurance claims. Other duties performed by a dentist include planning and maintaining dental health programs, writing dental education materials, and administering anesthesia.
Compensation
Many factors affect compensation for dentists. Some practices pay a daily rate for associates, while others offer a base salary. A common pitfall for dentists is lab fees, which often account for a large portion of their compensation. Dental practices also frequently charge the dentist for materials used for in-office fabrication. Dentists can easily find themselves with less money than they expected after deducting lab fees. While these factors should be taken into account, dentists should keep a few things in mind.
The average dentist makes more than $74,000 a year. However, the compensation offered by private practice owners may be lower than that of public clinics or safety net practices. Some dentists make more than $100,000 a year, while others earn only $50,000 per year. While this is not exactly market-based compensation, it still makes a difference in terms of income. ADA’s annual Survey of Dental Practices provides dentists with compensation data.
