Practicing dentistry

Dentistry is the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, the craniomaxillofacial area and the adjacent structures and their impact on the human body. This care is provided by dentists within the scope of their education, training and experience in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law.

Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of
the teeth and mouth.

Improve a patient’s appearance.

Perform surgical procedures such as implants, tissue grafts
and extractions.

Educate patients on how to better care for their teeth and
prevent oral disease.

Teach future dentists and dental hygienists.

Perform research directed to improving oral health and
developing new treatment methods.

Service to others: As a dentist, you will help people maintain and improve their oral health, quality of life and appearance.

Positive lifestyle: Dentistry offers you the chance to create a professional and personal life that is balanced and satisfying.

Patient empowerment: You can give patients smiles they are proud to wear. You will also have the chance to teach them skills that support good oral health at all stages of life.

Prevention: In oral exams, you may detect issues that go beyond tooth decay and gum disease. These may include oral cancer or cardiovascular problems that, if left untreated, can have devastating effects on patient health.

Creativity: You will have the opportunity to use your artistic and scientific talents in many ways, seeking innovative solutions for patient needs.

Research and technology: Many dentists play an active role in the scientific advancement of dentistry. This may involve taking part in research studies or fulfilling a role on scientific councils.

Leadership: You will earn respect from your family, friends and community and have the opportunity to help other dentists advance their careers.

Financial success: As the population ages and greater numbers of people enjoy improved access to care, demand for general dentists grows. You can enjoy a good income while meeting the public’s need for quality oral care.

Self-employment: You may choose to launch or buy a dental practice, giving you the chance to be your own boss.

Generally, three to four years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school are required to graduate and become a dentist. Dental schools may choose to award a doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctorate of dental medicine (DMD). Dentists holding DDS or DMD degrees have fulfilled the same educational requirements set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). State licensing boards accept both degrees as equivalent, allowing licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Search a current list of accredited dental education programs and schools and view resources to help you finance your dental education here.

All dentists must go through the licensure process at least once during their professional careers. If you are considering moving to a new state, you may need to repeat the process to meet different requirements.

Your state dental board can provide specific information about licensure requirements, the dental practice laws that apply in your state and other licensure-related information. The ADA maintains a Dental Licensure Map that can help you find basic licensure information by state.

The ADA believes that the public is best served when dentists focus on the general practice of dentistry. However, the recognition of specialties within dentistry offers benefits for patients and professionals alike. Accordingly, there are 12 recognized dental specialties within the dental profession.

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and their certifying boards are the official body that reviews and formally recognizes dental specialties.

Every associateship and every dental practice is different. But generally, hiring organizations are looking for:

• Dentists whose philosophy is similar to theirs
• A strong resume detailing experience and accomplishments
• Interest in getting involved with the community, which helps build the practice
• A willingness to take on duties such as emergency coverage, paperwork, practice management and the like
• A good listener who will tune into what patients and colleagues are saying
• Someone who is enthusiastic about joining the practice
• Good references —both professional and personal
• An interview that affirms the candidate’s qualifications, skills and value to the team

Yes, absolutely. Many dentists work for more than one practice, especially early in their careers. Be sure to carefully review your contracts, especially any non-compete clauses, before agreeing to do so.

• Freedom to focus on your patients, since billing, administration, marketing and other tasks are handled by the organization
• Salary and benefit packages that may help newer dentists make a strong start
• Access to cutting-edge dental technology and tools
• Mentoring programs to accelerate your career
• Reduced financial risks (as compared with starting or buying your own practice)

• Demanding work schedules, especially for newer dentists
• Less creativity and narrower choice in determining how to treat patients
• Contractual agreements that can limit future options

The ADA offers resources for dentists interested in working for large group practices, including:

• Fact sheet: Business Services Agreements with DSOs: What Every Dentist Should Know
• Fact sheet: Compensation as an Employee or Associate Dentist
• ADA Practice Transitions (ADAPT) blog: To DSO or Not to DSO, That Is the Question
• The ADA New Dentist Committee
• Directory of National, State, and Local Dental Associations
• Research: How big are DSOs?
• Research: Structure of Dental Practices in the U.S.