Dentists, General
Did You Know:*
- About 3 out of 4 dentists are solo practitioners.
- Dentists must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations; competition for admission to dental school is keen.
- Faster than average employment growth is projected.
- Job prospects should be good, reflecting the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire.
Industry Areas
- Offices of Dentists
- Offices of Physicians
- State Government (OES Designation)
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Use masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.
- 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.
Overall Kind of Work*
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and tissues in the mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems. They provide instruction on diet, brushin...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Most dentists are solo practitioners, meaning that they own their own businesses and work alone or with a small staff. Some dentists have partners, and a few work for other dentists as associate d...
Military
Dentists work in hospitals and dental clinics on land and aboard ships.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 5.06% (0-20 Hours)
- 24.62% (21-34 Hours)
- 20.93% (35-39 Hours)
- 37.57% (40 Hours)
- 4.38% (41-49 Hours)
- 7.43% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Dentists (29-1020)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
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Decision Making:
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 27.16% (Private For-Profit)
- 2.64% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 2.69% (State and Local Govt)
- 2.71% (Federal Government)
- 64.80% (Self-Employed)
This data also pertains to Dentists
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,226 Dentists, General in the military