Dentists, General

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  Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

Dentists, General

Also Called: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Dentist, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist, Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Dentist, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist

What they do

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

$80,820
Starting Salary (2023)
$166,300
Median Salary (2023)
4.4%
Projected Job Growth
121,640
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Concern for Others
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

More Info

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