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Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov Search the Handbook BLS Home OOH Home Frequently Asked Questions A-Z Index ... Contact Us Printer-friendly version ( HTML PDF Dentists Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employment Job Outlook ... Sources of Additional Information Significant Points
- Most dentists are solo practitioners. Dentists usually complete at least 8 years of education beyond high school. Average employment growth will generate some job openings, but most openings will result from the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire. Job prospects should be good.
Nature of the Work About this section Back to Top Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They remove tooth decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on childrens teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications. Dentists use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases. | |
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