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What does a Dentist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A dentist is a medical professional who is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist may also be involved in the promotion of oral health.

Dentist job duties include:

  • Examine patients' teeth, gums, and mouths to determine dental health and diagnose problems
  • Clean patients' teeth
  • Apply fluoride or sealants to help prevent cavities
  • Place fillings, crowns, inlays, and onlays
  • Remove tooth decay and repair decayed teeth
  • Straighten teeth to correct bite problems (orthodontics)
  • Extract teeth when necessary
  • Perform root canals
  • Design dentures and prescribe other appliances to correct dental irregularities

Dentist Job Requirements

A dentist must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school. They must also be licensed in the state in which they practice. Dentists typically have 2-3 years of post-doctoral training in an accredited residency program. Some states require dentists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every year to maintain their license.

Dentist Skills

  • Cavity filling
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental implants
  • Dentures
  • Extractions
  • Fillings
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Periodontal disease treatment
  • Root canals
  • Sealants
  • Teeth cleanings
  • Veneers

Related: Top Dentist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Dentist

There are many steps that one must take in order to become a dentist. The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. After completing undergraduate studies, the next step is to attend dental school for four years. During dental school, students take classes such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, and also complete clinical rotations. Upon graduating from dental school, dentists must then pass both a written and practical exam in order to become licensed. After obtaining a license, dentists can begin practicing. However, many dentists choose to complete a residency program which provides them with additional training.

Becoming a dentist requires dedication and hard work, but it can be a very rewarding career. Dentists help people maintain their oral health and improve their smiles. They also play an important role in educating patients about proper oral hygiene habits. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, be sure to do your research and shadow a dentist to get a better understanding of the profession.

Related: Dentist Resume Example

Related: Dentist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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