Dentist

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: DDS (Dental Surgery Doctor); Dentist; DMD (Dental Medicine Doctor); Endodontist; Family Dentist; General Dentist; Pediatric Dentist; Pedodontist; Periodontist

Tasks

• Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
• 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.
• Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
• Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
• Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
• Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
• Manage business aspects such as employing or supervising staff or handling paperwork or insurance claims.
• Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.
• Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.
• Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
• Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.
• Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.
• Perform oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.

Knowledge

• Medicine and Dentistry
• Customer and Personal Service
• Biology
• Administration and Management
• English Language
• Chemistry
• Personnel and Human Resources
• Psychology

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Science
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Finger Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Information Ordering
• Speech Clarity
• Category Flexibility
• Manual Dexterity
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Written Expression
• Fluency of Ideas
• Multilimb Coordination
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Originality