Dental Professionals
Information for students seeking a career in dentistry.
What is a Dentist?
The World Health Organisation defines Dentistry as "the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth".
Dentistry is an ethical profession and practising dentists are expected to place the welfare of their patients before any other consideration.
What does a dentist do?
Primarily a dentist aims to treat oral disorders.
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A dentist provides preventive treatment such as scaling, cleaning and fluoride therapy.
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A dentist repairs teeth damaged by decay or trauma, rebuilding tooth structures for functional or cosmetic reasons and providing crowns and bridges.
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A dentist also treats diseases of the roots, gums and soft tissues of the mouth and carries out various surgical procedures, from routine extractions to far more complex operations on the jaws and soft tissues.
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X-rays are used to detect abnormalities and plan treatment.
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Malformation and misalignment of teeth and jaws are corrected by providing 'braces' or other appliances.
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The need to extract teeth has considerably decreased due to improved knowledge and education and the development of conservative techniques, materials and equipment.
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A dentist also designs dentures by taking impressions, recording jaw relations, selecting colour and mould of teeth and correctly fitting dental appliances manufactured by dental technicians to dentists' prescriptions.
What are the recognised dental specialities?
The recognised dental specialities are Endodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontists, Paediatric dentists, Periodontists, Prosthodontists, Oral Pathologists and Dental Radiologists.
The following list describes the various specialist dentists.
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An
Endodontist
treats diseases and injuries to, and associated with the dental pulp, i.e. the soft tissues in the hollow core of the tooth.
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An
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
surgically treats injuries, abnormalities and diseases of mouth and adjacent parts.
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An
Orthodontist
prevents and treats badly aligned teeth and jaws.
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A
Paediatric Dentist
treats children or adolescents who need special care because of behavioural problems, trauma, medical status or disability.
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A
Periodontist
prevents and treats diseases of the tissues which support the teeth, i.e. the gums and underlying bone.
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A
Prosthodontist
restores and/or replaces teeth and their associated parts.
NOTE: Most dentists in general practice provide a range of dental services. If you wish to consider using a specialist you should consult a general dentist who will provide a referral and continue to manage your general dental needs.
What types of dental practice options are available?
Dentists may work in private practice, as a solo practitioner or as an assistant, an associate, or a partner. Alternatively, a dentist may be employed in government service.
The majority of dentists work in private practice.
You may set up a practice or purchase an existing practice. Other ways of working in private practice include becoming an assistant dentist, which means you receive a salary from the owner of the practice; an associate dentist, where you and another (or more) join together to share the certain expenses, such as rent, while other expenses are paid separately and fees are collected separately; or as a partner where two or more practitioners share expenses and profits/losses according to an agreed proportion.
There are positions available to dentists in the government service, which employs about 15% of dental practitioners in Australia. A salaried government dentist treats patients eligible for publicly funded dental treatment.
Each of the armed services maintains dental units which provide treatment for members of the service and in some circumstances their families.
On graduation, universities are sometimes able to provide short-term appointments as tutors or lecturers. Permanent appointments require post graduate experience and higher degrees.
To be able to set up a specialist practice you must be registered as a specialist with the appropriate Dental Board. In general, you are required to have a degree, diploma or award of high standing which testifies to your ability in the specialised area, plus demonstrate you have been practising exclusively, or with considerable emphasis in that field for a reasonable time.
Careers information: Dentists ... Part of a Caring Profession
Information for students seeking a career in dentistry.
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