Dentistry

What it is

Dentistry includes a variety of jobs that care for the teeth and gums. Dentistry can be related to other aspects of a patient’s healthcare. Dentists treat diseases and injuries of teeth, and they also may treat related nerves and other dental tissues. Dental hygienists clean and examine the mouth, head and neck to understand a patient’s oral health, and they may be responsible for taking X-rays, applying fluoride or taking on other dentistry duties. Cosmetic dentistry can affect the structure and appearance of the teeth and mouth.

What it's like

Dentistry jobs are typically in small offices, and most dentists own and operate their offices as small businesses. Most dentists work four or five days a week, and some provide special service to patients in evenings or on weekends. It is fairly common for an individual such as a dental assistant to have patient and office duties, such as getting the patient ready, setting up equipment and handling the dentistry records.

What it takes

Mia, 27 Training to be a Dental Hygienist

Dental assistants, dental hygienists, dentists and related jobs in dentistry require training after high school. Dental assistants typically need one year of training. Dental laboratory technicians require two years of training. Dental hygienists need two years of training and a license issued from the state. To learn more, read about Mia's experience training to be a dental hygienist.

To learn more about dentistry jobs, check out the job options to the right.

Jobs in this field

• Dental Assistant

  Salary range: $25,401 – $39,775 Minimum training:1-year training program Job description:A dental assistant performs a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties in dental offices. More

• Dental Hygienist

  Salary range: $60,654 – $93,475 Minimum training:2-year degree; state-issued license required Job description:A dental hygienist cleans teeth, examines patients for signs of oral disease and provides other preventative dental care. More

• Dental Laboratory Technician

  Salary range: $25,897 – $46,835 Minimum training:2-year program Job description:Dental laboratory technicians construct and repair dental appliances such as crowns, bridges, dentures and orthodontic appliances. More

• Dentist

  Salary range: $79,660 – $127,430 Minimum training:Doctorate; state-issued license required Job description:Dentists diagnose, prevent and treat teeth and mouth tissue problems. More