Dentists
Occupational Description
A dentist is a scientist and clinician dedicated to the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. Dentists
assist patients in maintaining and improving their oral health,
quality of life and appearance. As a health care provider, dentists
are often the first to recognize and identify a number of illnesses.
Research suggests an increasing number of links between oral diseases
and other health concerns. Dentists also improve their patients'
appearance by using a wide variety of modern dental materials and
equipment. Dentists educate patients and the general public on how
to maintain oral health and prevent disease. However, the dental
profession does not only include those who provide direct patient
care, but those who teach, conduct research, and work in public
and international health.
Approximately 84% of practicing dentists are general practitioners. The remaining 16% are dental specialists who focus their practices on one of the American Dental Association (ADA) recognized dental specialties:
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
For definitions of the ADA-recognized specialties visit: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/specialties/index.asp
Earning a doctoral degree in dentistry usually requires four academic
years of study. Dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental
Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). There is no difference
between the two degrees; dentists who have a DDS or DMD have the
same education. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements
set by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Personal Skills & Characteristics
Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists
should have good visual memory, excellent judgment of space and
shape, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability.
Good business sense, self-discipline, and communication skills are
helpful for success in private practice.
Employment
According the American Dental Association, almost all dentists work
in private practice. In fact, 3 out of 4 dentists in private practice
are sole proprietors, and 1 in 7 belongs to a partnership. There are
only a small number of salaried dentists working in private or public
hospitals and clinics.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of salaried dentists were $135,278 in April 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While earnings vary based on years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty, self-employed dentists in private practice tend to earn more than salaried dentists.
Job Outlook
Since large numbers of dentists are projected to retire in the next
20 years, the employment outlook for new dentists is favorable.
Employment of dentists is projected to grow nine percent through 2016
(about as fast as the average for all populations). The demand for
dental services is expected to grow as members of the baby-boom
generation advance to middle age, and will need maintenance on complex
dental work.
Dental care will focus more on prevention, including teaching people
how to better care for their teeth. Dentists will increasingly provide
care that is aimed at preventing tooth loss—rather than simply
providing treatments, such as fillings. Improvements in dental technology
will also allow dentists to provide more effective and less painful
treatment to their patients.
Planning Ahead
Students should begin investigating what course work is required
for admission to dental school as soon as possible during their
undergraduate education. It is also important to begin gaining hands-on
experience in different dental settings as early as one's first
year.
The Career Center has a team of pre-health counselors to help students
with a preparation and application timeline that fits their circumstances.
Appointments may be scheduled with a pre-health counselor by calling
734/764-7460 or stopping by the office at 3200 Student Activities
Building.
Educational Requirements
In thinking about becoming a dentist, students should consider taking
one year of biology and physics and two years of chemistry, both
organic and inorganic, with corresponding lab work. Some schools
may also require biochemistry, math, psychology and English.
For general dentistry requirement questions, contact
a pre-health academic advisor in LSA.
For school specific requirements, consult the latest edition of
Admission Requirements of U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools, published
by the American Association of Dental Schools (go to “ADEA
Publications” to order on-line at http://www.adea.org/)
or contact the schools directly.
Preparation Beyond The Classroom
Consider volunteering or job shadowing at a family dentist’s office,
orthodontist’s office or pediatric dentist’s office. Explore dentistry
in a variety of settings, such as private dental offices, hospitals,
dental clinics, dental specialties, etc. Engage in research if possible.
Consider contacting the U of M Pre-Dental Association at: pre-dental@umich.edu
Connect with U of M alumni for informational interviewing, networking,
or job shadowing. Visit Alumni Networks at http://alumni.umich.edu/networking-tools
Application Process Overview
Due to the competitiveness of the application process, it is recommended
that students begin their application process for dental school
during the winter term of their junior year by taking a timely Dental
Admissions Test (DAT) and applying over the summer between their
junior and senior year.
More details on a sample application timeline and checklist [PDF].
Most dental schools participate in the American Association of
Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). For a fee, students
can subscribe to this service and complete a single application
to apply to multiple dental schools. For an online application for
AADSAS, visit https://portal.aadsasweb.org/
Admissions committees for dental programs review credentials such
as academic qualifications, the results from the DAT, grade point
average, personal statement, letters of reference, personal interview
and dental office shadowing experiences. Keep in mind that these
are general admission criteria and other admission requirements
can vary from school to school.
Admissions Update
There are 58 U.S. and 10 Canadian dental schools approved by the ADEA. The total number of applicants to these dental schools in 2008 was 13,205 and the total number of enrollees was 4,918. The mean science GPA of enrollees was 3.46 and the mean total GPA of enrollees was 3.55. The 2009 AADSAS applicant pool was 46% women and 54% men.
Standardized Tests
It is recommended that students take the Dental Admissions Test
(DAT) at least one year prior to seeking admission to dental school.
This computerized test measures general academic ability, comprehension
of scientific information and perceptual ability. Completion of
at least one year of college-level courses in biology, and general
and organic chemistry is recommended for participation in the examination
program. The DAT is divided into the following sections: Natural
Science, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Qualitative
Reasoning, all scored on a 1-30 scale. For more information on the
DAT visit: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp
Reference Letters
Most dental programs prefer three letters of reference. Two of the
letters should come from science faculty members and one letter
from a non-science faculty. It would also be beneficial to obtain
a letter from a licensed dentist. Generally, dental schools prefer letters from science faculty, faculty/others with whom the applicant may have special experience (e.g., research, internship, special project, summer enrichment program, etc.) and a dental professional with whom the applicant has mentored, shadowed and/or discussed experiences as a practicing dentist.
Because no two pre-dental students are the same, there is no single best formula for being more specific about evaluators. Admissions Committees seek information from evaluators about personal qualities including (but not necessarily limited to) potential to succeed in a rigorous science curriculum, being able to manage multiple priorities, ethical/professional behavior, knowledge of dentistry as a career, overcoming challenges, skills and talents, and other qualities that address an applicant’s potential to be a successful dental student and healthcare provider. Obviously, not every evaluator can address all aspects of an applicant’s potential, which is why it is important for the applicant to select evaluators who can—in total—address these kinds of qualities or who can address particular applicant issues that may not be obvious from a general overview of the application. Please note that AADSAS will accept up to four individual Letters of Evaluation.
The Career Center’s Reference Letter Service (RLS) offers University
of Michigan students and alumni/ae the opportunity to have letters
of reference on file to use in support of their employment and continuing
education efforts. Open
a reference letter file with the RLS.
Personal Statement Information
Applicants to dental school are required to write a personal essay
that explains their motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry.
See Writing Essays in Application to Dental School [PDF] for more information about dental school essays.
If you need assistance getting started on your personal statement or would welcome feedback on your draft, please schedule an Advising appointment by calling 734/764-7460.
Interviews
Most dental schools require personal interviews with candidates
to assess qualities such as a desire to help people, self-confidence,
ability to meet challenges, ability to get along with people and
capacity to work independently. The personal interview also provides
applicants an opportunity to ask about the school.
Here are sample questions [PDF] asked at dental school interviews.
Gather interview tips through available literature and interview
programs sponsored by The Career Center. Take advantage of OptimalInterview*, a handy online resource that allows you to practice questions on camera from the comfort and convenience of your home. As a final dress rehearsal in your preparation, schedule a videotaped mock
interview at The Career Center, 3200 SAB (734/764-7460) to gain
practice and confidence.
*Once logged in, go to the Skills Center and click on New Interview. Name your new interview, then follow the on-screen instructions to begin your videotaped practice interview.
For information on the interview experiences of other individuals
at various dental schools nationwide, see http://more.studentdoctor.net/welcome.php/index.asp.
Please bear in mind that all feedback is voluntary, anonymous, and
somewhat anecdotal. Consequently, it should be evaluated within
the context of your own research—and your direct experience
if applicable—with a particular school.
Resources to Learn More
Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do
not constitute an endorsement. General information on dentistry
as a career is available from:
American Dental Association (ADA), Department of Career Guidance,
211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/careers/index.asp
American Dental Education Association (ADEA), 1400 K Street NW,
Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005-2415, (202) 289-7201
http://www.adea.org
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