The Study of Smiles
Introduction
While every child dreads these visits, as we grow we learn to appreciate the people that keep our smiles bright and looking well. Dentistry is a thriving occupation that aids the community in healthcare and establishes higher self esteem among individuals. The first development of this profession began in the late 18th century. Growth in this field has increased the past couple centuries due to exceptional advances in technology. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to dental school; from there dental students can either obtain a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Over the years, general dentistry has greatly advanced due to the technology advances, which has allowed for an increase in employment. This career continues to grow and develop, helping people achieve
Historical Background
Dental science and technology has greatly advanced over the decades. With these changes, the current procedure have varied significantly. Dentistry is considered one of the oldest professions, dating back to 7000 B.C. with the Indus Civilization. Not until 5000 B.C. when writings affiliated with dentistry and tooth decay were available. Not until the late 1700s, the Sumerian idea of tooth worms causing dental decay was proven false. (http://www.adea.org/GoDental/Health_Professions_Advisors/History_of_Dentistry.aspx) These advances became more defined when Richard C. Skinner wrote one of the first dental books, “A Treatise on the Human Teeth”. Published in New York in 1801, the short, concise study was a publication of the structure and function of teeth. (https://dental.nyu.edu/aboutus/rare-book-collection/book-12.html) This book was published when dentistry was still a nomadic idea. Dentistry was not regulated nor defined as a health practice at the time. Not until the late 1800’s Dr. John M. Harris commenced the world’s first dental school located in Bainbridge, Ohio (http://www.heartlandscience.org/medhs/dental) and helped to establish dentistry as a health profession. The school opened on February 21, 1828, (http://www.heartlandscience.org/medhs/dental) and today is a dental museum that exhibits the history of dentistry all around the world. In 1948, the National Institute of Dental Research was founded. Later renamed, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in order to precisely demonstrated the worldwide research it has and continues to support. (https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-history-and-presidents-of-the-ada/ada-history-of-dentistry-timeline) The mission of this organization is to improve oral health through research, research training, and the distribution of of general health information to the public. Dental organizations want to assure optimal oral health to Americans through disease prevention and health promotion.
Tasks and Working Conditions
While dentistry is a rather rigorous field to be in, the job can be very rewarding and beneficial towards the community. An essential trait for a prospective employee is a high level of social contact. Dentists constantly work with others on a day-to-day basis. Whether that may be patients or co-workers, the job involves a lot of social interactions. Due to being in such a social business, dentists are constantly exposed to infections and diseases carried by their patients.(https://mncis.intocareers.org/OccInfo.aspx?SourceState=MN&OccID=100298&TopicID=0) It would be very beneficial to have a strong immune system in this field of work. Though it is important to note that having tolerance to infections is not equivalent to resistance. There are various work environments when it come to dentistry. Some dentists own their own practice and work with a relatively small to medium sized staff, while others work for more established dental corporations as associate dentists. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm) Dentists may work 40 hours a week. Some work more, especially dentists starting new practices.
Hours tend to vary between dentists. On average, the majority of dentists work full-time; allowing flexibility in their schedule to cater to patient needs. This would include, working later evenings or weekends. According to, (https://mncis.intocareers.org/OccInfo.aspx?SourceState=MN&OccID=100298&TopicID=0) In 2016, dentists held around 153,500 jobs in the United States. 71% were considered to be self-employed, obtaining a practice of their own. The other 29% were considered to either be self-employed, working in government dental jobs, physician offices, or in an outpatient care center. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-3) Being in the medical field, as a dentist you are responsible for the work done by dental hygienists and assistants. According to (https://mncis.intocareers.org/OccInfo.aspx?SourceState=MN&OccID=100298&TopicID=7#) in a typical work setting, dentists Make decisions on a daily basis that greatly affect their patients. It is crucial that daily/weekly deadlines are met and performances are sufficient and exact. Any errors in their work could cause the patient to experience pain.
Education and Qualifications
Dentists go through a considerable amount of schooling and training in order to receive the certifications necessary to be admitted into this profession. All states require dentists to attain a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-4) Programs to obtain a DMD or DDS are typically four years, if you choose to be a full-time student, otherwise it may to longer. Students are required to have at least a 4-year bachelor’s degree in order to enter most dental programs, although no specific major is required. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-4) However, majoring in a science, such as biology, might increase the chance of being accepted. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-4) Applicants for dental school usually apply to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) which admits students into reputable dental school programs. Many programs include clinical experience, which is where students work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist, learning the specifics of the skill. In addition to the 4 years, a student who wants to specialize in one of the 9 specialties must have a licensure requirements and complete 2 years of residency after dental school. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-4)
According to (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-4) As of 2016, the Commission on Dental Accreditation, recognized more than 60 dental school programs. In order to rise above other workers in the profession, students must demonstrate how their blend of skills, academic achievements and social skills prepare them for success.
Employment Outlook
Based on the current economic status of dentistry, the future job outlook is favorable. According to MCIS (2016), many dentists are nearing retirement age. These retirements will allow for future job openings in the field. Upcoming dentists will have good job opportunities as long as the number of graduates from dental schools does not significantly increase.