Description

Dentistry is a field of medicine that pertains to the health and treatment of the teeth and mouth. Dentists can be general practitioners or specialists; specialties include dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.Dentists typically go through four years of dental schooling after completing a bachelor's degree program. Dentists seeking further accreditation in specialty areas often additional years of schooling. Once they complete the program, they will receive a DDS or DMD degree, allowing them to practice.Dentists prevent, diagnose, and treat problems with the mouth, teeth, or gums. They can treat diseases (such as gum disease), injuries, or malformations that occur. Dentists examine x-rays to identify underlying problems with a person’s mouth and help correct those issues. They fill cavities and place sealants where necessary. Dentists can also repair broken teeth or correct the orientation of crooked teeth by strengthening them.Dentists often help patients improve their smile by using cosmetic dental procedures such as whitening. They can develop molds of a person’s mouth to create dentures for missing teeth. They advise patients on how to maintain the health of their teeth by brushing, flossing, and other aspects of dental care.Most dentists are self-employed, building up their own practices and working full time. This usually requires a start-up investment. They must hire and train dental hygienists and secretaries; having staff means dentists provide medical insurance and other benefits to their employees.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a dentist with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Perform dental examinations, diagnose oral conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Administer local anesthesia and provide pain management during dental procedures.
  • Carry out restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges to restore and improve dental health.
  • Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, preventive care, and provide guidance for maintaining optimal oral health.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Dentist, the following qualifications are required:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.
  • Skilled in performing dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals.Familiarity with digital radiography and other dental diagnostic technologies.
  • Knowledge of infection control protocols and adherence to sterilization procedures.Ability to communicate effectively with patients, explaining treatment plans and procedures clearly.
  • Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and education.Attendance at dental conferences and workshops to stay current with industry trends.

Essential Skills For Dentist

1

Health Care

2

Healthcare Management

3

Medical Technology

Skills That Affect Dentist Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Medicine

11%

Health Care

22%

Healthcare Operations

45%

Diagnostic Analytics

8%

Social Awareness

23%

Career Prospects

The role of a dentist is crucial in providing dental care and promoting oral health. For individuals with 3-6 years of work experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Dental Hygienist: A position focused on preventive dental care, including cleaning teeth, examining patients for oral diseases, and educating them about oral hygiene.
  • Dental Clinic Manager: A role involving the management of a dental clinic, including overseeing operations, staff scheduling, and financial management.
  • Dental Sales Representative: A position in sales and marketing, responsible for promoting dental products and equipment to dentists and dental clinics.
  • Dental Education Coordinator: A role focused on coordinating and delivering educational programs and workshops for dental professionals, assisting in their continuing education.

How to Learn

The job role of a Dentist in Canada is projected to experience a steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for Dentists has been consistently increasing, with a positive job outlook expected in the future as well. According to Google, there will be a significant number of employment opportunities available for Dentists in the coming years. It is advisable to conduct further research for precise statistics and in-depth analysis.