Dentists, General: What They Do?
Dentists, general are oral healthcare professionals who prevent, diagnose, and treat issues that affect the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth. They work with patients to develop oral health plans that may include cleaning, filling cavities, extracting teeth, and fitting dentures, among other treatments. Dentists, general are often primary care providers for oral health care, treating people of all ages and backgrounds.
Some examples of the responsibilities of a dentist, general include:
- Examining teeth, gums, and other oral tissues to diagnose diseases and abnormalities
- Cleaning, filling, and extracting teeth
- Performing root canals and other complex dental procedures
- Designing and fitting oral prosthetics, such as dentures
- Providing advice and counseling to patients on how to maintain good oral health
- Coordinating and managing the care of patients with other healthcare professionals, such as dental hygienists and oral surgeons
Education and Training to Become a Dentist, General
To become a dentist, general, you must complete a doctoral program in dental medicine or dental surgery. This typically takes four years of full-time study after completing a bachelor’s degree. The coursework in these programs includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Aspiring dentists must also pass a licensure exam to practice in their state.
After obtaining a license and starting to practice, dentists can continue their education and training through various professional development programs, including continuing education courses and specialty certifications. This can enable dentists to expand their skill sets and offer more advanced or specialized services to their patients, such as orthodontics or pediatric dentistry.
Progression in the Field
As dentists gain more experience and build a reputation for delivering high-quality care, they may progress to higher levels of responsibility, such as opening their own practice or becoming a partner in an existing practice. Dentists may also specialize in certain areas of oral health care and focus on treating specific patient populations, such as children or geriatric patients. Dentists who excel in these areas may be recognized as thought leaders in the field and may be invited to speak at conferences or write research papers.
Getting Started in the Field
If you’re interested in becoming a dentist, general, there are several steps you can take to get started. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry. You can then apply to a dental school program to earn your doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Once you’ve completed your program and obtained your licensure, you can begin working as a dentist.
If you’re already working in the healthcare field but are considering a career change, you may be able to transition into dentistry by pursuing additional education and training. For example, if you’re a dental hygienist, you can enroll in a doctoral program to become a dentist, general.
Overall, dentists, general play a critical role in maintaining the oral health of individuals and communities. With a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery, licensure, and ongoing education and training, aspiring dentists can make a meaningful impact in the lives of their patients and the field of oral healthcare.
Dentists, general, are dental professionals who diagnose and treat various dental problems. They specialize in preventing and treating oral disease, maintaining oral health, and providing dental care to patients. General dentistry includes various procedures, such as filling cavities, teeth cleaning, X-rays, and extractions.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for general dentists was $159,200 in May 2020, with a range of $73,840 to $221,490. The higher end of the salary range may be due to the fact that some dentists are self-employed and may own their own dental practice.
In terms of job level, general dentists can range from entry-level positions to experienced professionals. The salary data provided above shows that general dentists at all levels can earn an average of $176,113.60 to $181,792.00 per year, depending on whether they are union or nonunion.
Unionization can have a significant impact on dentists’ wages and working conditions. Historically, dental associations and unions have had a contentious relationship. However, unionizing can help dentists negotiate higher wages and better working conditions. It can also provide them with a collective bargaining agreement that outlines their rights and responsibilities.
The top-paying states for general dentists, on average, are Delaware and Alaska, with an annual mean wage of $264,440 and $259,350, respectively. The lowest-paying states are Montana and West Virginia, with an annual mean wage of $136,040 and $137,790, respectively.
State | Average Annual Mean Wage for General Dentists
—|—
Delaware | $264,440
Alaska | $259,350
New Hampshire | $257,600
North Dakota | $247,520
Maine | $241,310
Wisconsin | $238,550
Minnesota | $236,180
Vermont | $234,640
Maryland | $231,940
Oregon | $231,410
Colorado | $226,840
New Jersey | $225,760
Illinois | $225,490
Hawaii | $224,370
California | $222,490
Massachusetts | $221,500
Virginia | $221,370
Washington | $218,690
Rhode Island | $216,750
Connecticut | $212,210
New York | $211,970
Pennsylvania | $211,160
Michigan | $209,930
Ohio | $203,520
Iowa | $202,910
South Dakota | $199,800
Indiana | $199,640
Kansas | $197,260
Nebraska | $195,500
North Carolina | $193,620
Nevada | $192,930
Utah | $182,090
Missouri | $174,630
Kentucky | $170,480
Arizona | $168,220
Tennessee | $167,500
Oklahoma | $166,580
Texas | $164,110
Louisiana | $159,530
Alabama | $152,300
Georgia | $148,020
Arkansas | $138,560
Mississippi | $139,600
South Carolina | $138,270
Montana | $136,040
West Virginia | $137,790
