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
Military
Dentists work in hospitals and dental clinics on land and aboard ships.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,226 Dentists, General in the military
Service Branches
Dentists work in the following services:
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.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity: 
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: