Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Dentist
Job description
A dentist, doctor of dental surgery (DDS), or doctor of dental medicine (DMD) examines, diagnoses, and treats patients who have diseases, injuries, or malformations of the teeth, gums and mouth; then instructs patients about good oral health practices to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Activities may include
●
diagnose a wide variety of dental problems
●
locate and fill cavities
●
treat diseased gums
●
plan treatment to restore/maintain good oral health
●
perform oral surgery
●
restore damaged teeth and gums
●
extract teeth that are not treatable
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replace missing teeth (implants)
●
provide and fit dentures
●
improve appearance with cosmetic surgery
●
teach patients about good oral health practices
Specialties
Dentists may take additional training and specialize in endodontia, oral pathology, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, or public health.
Endodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the dental pulp, usually with root canal therapy.
Oral Pathologists perform laboratory tests and examine biopsy material needed to diagnose oral problems.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform extractions and treat injuries, diseases and deformities of the mouth, jaws and face, such as cleft lip and palate.
Orthodontists prescribe and fit braces to straighten crooked or badly spaced teeth; correct the bite/alignment of the jaw.
Pediatric Dentists specialize in the preventive and therapeutic care of children from birth through adolescence; may treat handicapped persons of all ages.
Periodontists diagnose and treat diseases of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and instruct patients in the prevention of recurrences.
Prosthodontists fit and design bridgework and dentures to replace missing teeth and design substitutes for missing oral tissues.
Public Health Dentists promote public education, prevention and treatment of dental diseases for communities.
Salaries and benefits*
Entry level salaries average $50,000 per year or more. A dentist with 5 years of experience can average $90,000 per year. A Dentist II with two years experience working for the State of Washington earns $6,311 to $7,318 per month. The average salary for Dentists in Washington State is $101,753. Nationally, they average $80,000 to $100,000 per year. For specialists the average is $110,000 per year.
Often dentists work four days per week and usually insure themselves and their staff members with medical and dental health insurance.
Training and requirements
In Washington State, programs require a bachelor's degree plus four years of dental school. The bachelor's training must include chemistry, physics, and biology. Training is offered at the University of Washington.
Necessary skills
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ability to manage other dental professionals who provide dental healthcare
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above average ability to learn and apply new skills
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concern for/commitment to healthcare & oral hygiene
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ability to make good decisions
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strong sense of aesthetics
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good eye/hand coordination and precision
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manual dexterity and patience for minute movement
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ability to see details/slight differences in color/shape
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desire to work with all types of people
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comfortable in close proximity to patients
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ability to calm nervous patients
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good listening skills and ability to communicate clearly
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good aptitude for science coursework
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agility to stand or sit for long periods of time and often work in awkward positions
Licensure/Certification
All dentists must take an extensive examination and be licensed by the State of Washington.
Helpful high school courses
Math (through trigonometry and calculus), chemistry, biology, physics, English, psychology, health, first aid, and foreign language.
Outlook*
The dental occupation in Washington State is expected to grow 11% by the year 2008. Currently about 4,094 dentists are licensed in Washington. It is projected that there will be 137 openings annually in this occupation, of which 54 will be due to new positions, and 83 will result from workers leaving this occupation.
Professional Associations
●
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2500
http://www.ada.org
●
National Dental Association
3517 16th St. NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 588-1697
http://www.ndaonline.org
●
Washington State Dental Association
1001 Fourth Ave., Ste. 3800
Seattle, WA 98154
(206) 448-1914
http://www.wsda.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04