What does a Dentist do?
Dentists typically work in dental offices or clinics, providing patients with cleanings and more in-depth procedures like root canals and cavity fillings. By performing their job duties successfully, Dentists help patients remain free of pain and allow them to eat a wide range of foods, improving their quality of life. Diagnosing and treating dental problems early may also reduce the risk of tooth loss and even some health conditions connected to oral health, such as heart disease. When they interact with patients and perform procedures properly, Dentists positively impact patient satisfaction to increase business growth and patient retention.
Dentist skills and qualifications
To perform their job duties successfully, a Dentist needs certain qualifications. Some key skills to include in your Dentist job description include:
- In-depth knowledge of the current standards of care for dentistry and the latest oral health treatments available
- Observational skills to diagnose oral health problems based on the findings of exams and X-rays
- Ability to remain upright for long periods while treating patients
- Interpersonal skills to put patients at ease and encourage positive interactions during appointments
- Strong oral communication skills to convey clear instructions to both patients and assisting staff
- Computer skills to utilize computer-aided dentistry equipment and medical records software
- Ability to operate necessary tools and equipment, such as mouth mirrors, probes, drills, scalers and curettes
- Up-to-date knowledge on patient safety, infection control and privacy laws and regulations
Dentist experience requirements
Dentists can be hired right out of dental school once they receive their license to practice from your state. Many offices prefer that candidates have a few years of experience before they are hired. Depending on your patient population, you may want to hire candidates with experience working with specific types of people, such as children or geriatric patients.
Dentist education and training requirements
All 50 states require dentists to hold a state license. Although requirements vary, states typically require prospective dentists to hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) granted by an accredited dental school.
Most dental school programs last for four years and involve both classroom-based and hand-on clinical education. Most dental schools prefer students to earn a bachelor’s degree prior to admission, but some will consider applicants who have completed at least three years of undergraduate education.
In addition to earning the necessary degree, prospective dentists must usually pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) to obtain a license.
Dentist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dentist is $230,487 per year. Salaries vary based on level of experience, education and geographical location.
Dentist salary expectations
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Common salary:
235609.58 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
60000.00 -526000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If the Dentist job description outlined above doesn’t fully meet your business needs, consider these related job titles:
Dentist job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?
The difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist is that Dentists focus more on oral hygiene and health, while Orthodontists specialize in the positioning of the teeth and the jaw. For example, Dentists can fill cavities, perform cleanings, repair broken teeth and insert implants. In contrast, Orthodontists work to correct tooth misalignment by inserting expanders, fitting individuals for braces and preparing molds for retainers. Orthodontists can also perform certain oral surgeries to correct tooth alignment.
What qualities make for a good Dentist?
A number of qualities can help make a Dentist successful. Patience and empathy can allow a dentist to better relate to patients who may feel stressed or afraid during procedures. Being able to work in a fast-paced environment and make decisions under pressure can help Dentists remain on schedule and respond to unforeseen challenges that arise while administering treatments. Because research and technological development happen on an ongoing basis, people who enjoy learning new things may also perform well as Dentists.
How can I make my Dentist job description stand out?
To call attention to your job ad, start your job description off with a summary of the biggest benefits of working for your practice or clinic. You may wish to mention things like flexible scheduling, dental school loan reimbursement programs, future partnership potential and practice-paid malpractice insurance coverage.
What is the difference between a Dentist and a Periodontist?
A Periodontist specializes in caring for patients who have periodontal disease. They may perform deep cleanings, surgery and other procedures to promote gum health and prevent tooth loss. While a Dentist may care for patients with gum inflammation or gingivitis, they typically do not treat advanced periodontal disease.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
