Likewise, he is also performing corrective works, such as straightening teeth, treating diseased tissue of the gums, performing surgical operations on jaw or mouth, and making and fitting false teeth. Dentistry was in the earliest times a primitive, yet necessary practice, for health problems in the mouth and teeth have always existed. For centuries, the practice of dentistry consisted largely of curing toothaches by extraction or the use of herbs and similar methods to alleviate pain. These home practices were employed only in emergencies, dental care and corrective measures as they now exist in the modern for dental health problems. We no longer see a well-meaning father, or a barber, or even a blacksmith preparing to extract a tooth to relieve the stingy ache. Indeed, dentistry today, is a professional field of great significance to the health of the public.
In dental careers of a dentist, he may opt to be a general practitioner or may advance or specialize a certain field. Most dentists are general practitioners, with only 20 percent practicing as specialists. The largest number of these specialists are orthodontists, followed by oral surgeons, pedodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, oral pathologists, and public health dentists. General practitioners must be proficient in many area of dental hygienist jobs. They must be on the alert for any condition in the mouth requiring special treatment, such as crooked teeth, diseased gums, oral cancer -for they may have to treat such special conditions. They also conduct general cleaning of the teeth, filling the cavities, and extracting bad teeth. General practitioners, however must be able to use and understand X rays as well as be well acquainted with laboratory works in order to provide more quality services to the clients.
In acquiring dental employment, there are a lot of criteria to be complied with. Such dental profession is selective and certain standards to be met are bit high. Impressive college grades and certain elements of college education are carefully considered. Likewise, all dental schools approved by the American Dental Association are required for their applicants to pass the Dental Admission Test, which assesses the student’s ability to succeed or fail in dental school studies and practices. A prospective dental student should plan an academic program of study in high school with an emphasis on science and math. Liberal arts courses are also significant for meeting college entrance requirements. In addition, participation in extra curricular activities is also important as well as his ability to get along with others since dentist jobs involve closely associating with people.
Further, the student should also note the importance of manual dexterity and scientific ability. Skilled, steady, and controlled hands are necessary with good space and sharper judgment. A competent dentist is expected to have a good vision to see clearly its detailed oral works, and must be confident enough on his knowledge and skills of his profession. Dental schools require at least three to four years of college-level pre-dental education. About 80 percent of the students entering dental schools have already earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Professional training in a dental school generally requires four academic years. Many dental schools are working on an interdisciplinary curriculum in which the dental student studies basic science with medical, pharmacy, and other health profession students. Dental students who wish to enter a specialized field should plan on postgraduate study ranging from two to four years. A specialist can only become certified by passing specialty board exams. Further dental job trainings may be obtained by dental interns in an approved hospitals and even recognized clinics. Of course, a dentist must continually keep abreast of developments in the profession through reading professional magazines and journals, short-term graduate courses, and frequent seminars to upgrade his profession to the modern trend of dental services.
Moreover, before one can practice a legitimate dental job in a community, he needs to qualify for a license exam, in some states, the National Board of Dental Examiner’s exam. Generally, dentists licensed in one state are required to take another exam in order for him to be legally allowed to practice dentist job in another state. Other states grant licenses to dentists from other states based on their credentials and legitimate experience.
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