General Dentists
Overview
General dentists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth to keep people's smiles healthy. They fill cavities, repair damaged teeth, take digital x-rays, and create dental appliances like retainers using modern technology and materials. Dentists also teach patients about proper oral care, including brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits that protect teeth. This career requires completing dental school after college and offers opportunities to work in private practices, clinics, or even start your own business while helping people maintain confident, healthy smiles.
Did you know?
Becoming a dentist in the US requires completing a four-year dental degree program and passing national and state licensing examinations.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$173,304.78 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Negotiation
Key Responsibilities
- Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Perform oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.
- Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
- Manage business aspects such as employing or supervising staff or handling paperwork or insurance claims.
- Produce or evaluate dental health educational materials.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.
- Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color.
- Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.
- Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.
- Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.
- Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
- Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- Plan, organize, or maintain dental health programs.
- Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.
Career Considerations
Extensive Educational Requirements
Becoming a dentist in the US requires completing a four-year dental degree program and passing national and state licensing examinations.
High Financial Investment with Strong Earning Potential
Dental school involves significant student loan debt, but dentists typically earn well above the national average salary once established.
Practice Ownership and Business Management
Many American dentists own their practices, requiring business skills beyond clinical expertise to manage staff, insurance, and operations.