Dentists also perform dental surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists are trained to provide instruction on nutrition, brushing and flossing techniques, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of good oral hygiene. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications as necessary.

Dental school teach dentists in the use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, high and low speed drills, and other dental hand piece instruments such as mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They learn how to properly use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.

Dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and the purchasing of dental equipment and supplies. They may also employ and supervise dental personnel, such as dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and clinic receptionists.

Most dentists are general practitioners and treat a variety of dental problems. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas: orthodontia, oral surgery, pediatrics, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, public health, oral pathology and oral/maxillofacial radiology. In 2004, dentists held about 150,000 jobs with employment being distributed among general practitioners and specialists as follows:

Dentists, general	128,000
Orthodontists	10,000
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons	6,000
Prosthodontists	1,000
Dentists, all other specialists	5,000

About one third of these dentists were self-employed and not incorporated. Almost all worked in a private practice. According to ADA, 7% of dentists in private practice are sole proprietors, while 14% belong to a partnership. A few salaried dentists work in hospitals and offices of physicians.

Dentists’ have a very diverse patient population and provide dental treatment in a variety of clinic settings using a variety of techniques and procedures. The patient population of dentist is endless. They can treat people who are wealthy and healthy, ill and indigent, young and old or individuals who require special needs. While the work of dentists is often surgical in nature, dentists can and do treat many diseases of the oral cavity and face with prescribed medicines. In addition to private practice, a career as a dentist offers excellent academic and public health opportunities for those looking to teach in a dental school or effect public policy.

According to the several sources*, the average dentist salary is in the highest 5% of U.S. family income (in 2004, the average earnings for a general practitioner who owned his/her practice was over $185,940; the average earnings for a dental specialist was over $315,000) and the demand for dentists is projected to grow. Click here for information on the process of becoming a licensed Dentist. If you are an a non US citizen, looking to study dentistry in the US, get information on studying in the US here.

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