What Exactly Do Dentists Do?

Whether you are considering entering the field of dentistry, or you are just curious about the day-to-day activities in the work life of dental professionals, you may not know exactly what dentists do on a daily basis. We have all been to our local clinic to have our teeth cleaned. Some of us have had braces and others have had major oral surgery. If you are considering entering this field, you may want to know a bit about the profession before you begin your path to getting into this career. From providing patients with general checkups and cleanings, to performing more intricate oral surgery procedures, there are a variety of things that these professionals do on a daily basis.

Dentists diagnose and treat issues that arise from the gums, teeth, and mouth. They also provide insightful advice to patients who need help on taking care of their own oral health and keeping up with oral hygiene habits. These professionals provide advice on which brushing and flossing techniques to use, and the also utilize fluorides and medication through a variety of procedures and cleanings. Dentists can eradicate tooth decay, offer analysis through the use of x-rays, and they can fill cavities and provide dental implants and other restorative procedures. They can provide anesthetics through a variety of procedures, and they can also write prescriptions for patients who need special oral medications.

Dentists have a number of medical tools at their disposal for use during dental procedures and operations. From drills, specialized mirrors, and brushes to lasers, ex-rays and scanners, these professionals use a number of advanced technological resources to provide advanced treatment to patients of all ages.

Some professionals in this field specialize in pediatric dentistry, while others specialize in oral surgery, orthodontics, and other specialties. Other specialty areas include periodontists, who concentrate on gum disease and jaw bone treatments, endodontists, who provide root canals, prosthodontists, who provide implants, crowns, and bridges, oral and maxillofacial surgeons who provide surgery to treat diseases of the mouth, and dental public health professionals, who work to prevent oral diseases through organized community education.

Most dentists keep offices hours five days a week. Many of these professionals offer emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most of these professionals work a 40 hour week or less. To enter this field, one must complete a high school diploma, and undergraduate degree (typically in natural sciences) and four years of dental school. Professionals must then obtain the proper licensing necessary to practice. These professionals make an average of $140,000 per year, while some can make as much as $190,000 or more.