The median salary for dentists in the United States is about $130 thousand. That might sound like a lot, but when you take the schooling required to become a dentist into account you'll see that it's only just compensation for going into this rewarding, but demanding, field. Strictly speaking, a dentist is a doctor who specializes in caring for mouths and teeth. There are two basic types of dentists: Doctors of Dental Medicine (DDMs) and Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDSs).
Both kinds of dentists are capable of helping people who have damage to their teeth or the tissue in their mouths, as well as to their jaws. However, you can specialize further if you want to become a dentist, too. Options include being a pediatric dentist, a public health dentist, an orthodontist, a periodontist, or an oral surgeon.
Dentists of any kind have to have a license to practice medicine and must graduate from an American Dental Association accredited dental school. In addition to completing this program, a dentist will also need to pass a number of exams. Most students who go into dental school do so after getting their bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or other sciences. Overall, most dentists undergo about eight years of schooling before they earn the ability to become licensed.
Application to dental school requires taking and scoring well on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and an above average record in your undergraduate academic career. Dental school itself takes four years, and will include learning anatomy, biochemistry, clinical science, and physiology. Prospective dentists must also attend patients under supervision as part of the clinical component of their education. Once they graduate, one of the two degrees mentioned above will be conferred.
To become a dentist you need more than just an education. It's also important for you to like being around and working with people, and to have a responsible character. You should be able to make patients feel welcome and comfortable, since many people are afraid of going to the dentist. Even if this is an irrational fear, the visit will go better for them, and for you, if you're able to put them at ease. The ability to easily empathize is an important one for a dentist.
It is also necessary to obtain licensure in the state in which you practice. All dentists must be licensed before they can begin practicing. This process includes a written exam and a practical one, although written tests can be completed by passing the National Dental Board exams. If you specialize, you may have to get additional licensing in your specialization. Seventeen states require this.
It is also important to establish a practice. Most dentists own private practices. However, starting one can be tricky. One option is to purchase an existing practice from a dentist who has retired. The good news is that the job market is favorable towards dentists; even if the economy isn't doing well, everyone needs to be concerned about the health of their teeth. Many older dentists are also going into retirement, leaving the field open for their younger colleagues.
Self employed dentists who have their own private practice will, in general, make more money than dentists who are salaried. However, this comes with its own difficulties. Salaried dentists will often receive paid benefits, including malpractice insurance and health insurance. Like owners of any other business, dentists who are self employed will have to cover these costs on their own.
Some dentists have partners or work in a company with other dentists as associates. The majority of dentists work four to five days a week, but some will work weekends or evenings to make sure they can meet the needs of their patients. The majority of full time dentists work between 35 and 40 hours per week. However, if you're trying to start a new practice, you may work more. The older and more experienced you get, the fewer hours it's customary to work, and many dentists continue in part time practice long after conventional retirement age. That's because dentistry is a field that most enter because they want to help people, and it's easy to continue practicing once you’ve begun.
If you're thinking about becoming a dentist, you should be aware that it takes a lot of work and education to reach your eventual goal. However, once you've completed your schooling and licensing, you'll be entering a field that's known for its rewarding work and good pay. You'll also be entering a field that's growing as older dentists reduce their hours or retire entirely. The market for young dentists is better than ever