Careers as Dentists, General

Dentists are responsible for treating most problems with the mouth, teeth, and gums. Dentists instruct patients on preventative dental care, which assists them in preventing damage to their teeth and gums that would require further dental procedures. Dentists also repair teeth through fillings, removal of tooth decay, repair of fractured teeth, placing plastic coatings, among many other duties. Dentists also may perform specific surgeries on gums and bone. They make models of teeth and make measurements of teeth for dental prosthetic, they are also authorized to administer anesthetic, and prescribe anti-biotic and other medications for their patients.

Dentists can specialize, however the majority are general dentists. Dentists are also solo practitioners, meaning they own their own practice independently, often purchasing an existing practice from another dentist or creating their own shortly after graduating from dental school.

Every dentist must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass a variety of state licensing tests before they are allowed practice. Most dental school applicants have a bachelor’s degree, but a small number enter dental school after 2-3 years of college. Be sure to look into the programs being offered in many locations to get the training you need to start an exciting career as a general dentist!

Featured Schools

Site Assistant

Submission Disclosure

This is not a job application. By filling out the information in the form on the right, you will be contacted by our enrollment advisers and directed to some recommended institutions that can assist you in reaching your career goals.

Any additional questions about the institution itself, financial aid, or any program specific questions are best addressed directly with the institutions recommended. Each institution should have individual career counsellors that can give you additional direction.

If you are unsure about what education institution you want to attend, our enrollment advisors will suggest multiple institutions and get you in contact with each of those institutions.