Being a Dentist means way more than cleaning teeth. Benefits of the care and counsel provided by dentists can make the difference in a person’s oral health, physical comfort and even self-esteem. Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems of the teeth and tissues of the mouth. They remove decay and fill cavities, examine x-rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery of the gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. When needed, Dentists extract teeth and make molds and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth.
Individuals must complete an undergraduate education and four years of dental school with additional education for dental specialties. An applicant for licensure as a dentist must be at least 19 years of age, graduate from an accredited school or college of dentistry, and pass the exams.