Careers in Dentistry
A Career in Dentistry...
A Future in South Dakota
A career in dentistry offers many unique opportunities and benefits:
- Be a respected professional
- Help people
- Be your own boss
- Earn a good income
- Live & work where you want
Being a Dentist
Most dentists will tell you that what they love most about dentistry is their
patients and the diversity of their work. Every patient presents a new challenge
and a new opportunity.
Dentists are licensed health care professionals who are trained in prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of oral disease. This includes treating soft and hard
oral tissues, restoring teeth, making cosmetic improvements and performing oral
surgery.
Most dentists practice general dentistry, giving them the capability of
providing comprehensive care to a wide variety of patients. Others limit their
practice to a specialty like orthodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry.
Dentistry is a well-respected and prestigious profession. Dentists have the
opportunity to develop rewarding life-long relationships with their patients,
many times caring for multiple generations of the same family.
How to Decide
The demand for new dentists is strong. A shortage of dentists is expected over
the course of the next 10 to 20 years. More regular visits to the dentist for
dental cleanings and exams, an increase demand for cosmetic dental procedures
and the fact that Americans are living longer and keeping their teeth longer is
driving the demand for more dental care. Additionally, a large percentage of
South Dakota's dentists are expected to retire over the next decade.
Most people make their decision to pursue a career in dentistry while they are
in high school or early in college. Future dentists need to have a variety of
skills. If you enjoy people, are detail oriented, and have an interest in
science or medicine, dentistry may be the right career for you.
Work & Lifestyle
After meeting state licensure requirements, dentists may practice anywhere in
the state. Most dentists practice by themselves or as associates, partners or
members of a group practice. Dentists also may practice for the government in
the military, correctional or behavioral facility or a public healthcare
facility. Dentistry can be a financially rewarding profession. A dentist's
income will vary depending on the type of practice, number of hours in the
office and geographic location. Your local dentist may be able to tell you what
a new dentist can expect to earn in your area.
An Education
Requirements include a high school diploma, three or four years of pre-dental
courses at an accredited college or university and four years of dental
education at an accredited dental school. Dentists may receive a Doctor of
Dental Surgery (DDS) degree or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Two to six additional years of training are required for dental specialties,
including: orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics,
prosthodontics, oral surgery and oral pathology.
A list of dental schools, and links to their web sites, is available from the
American Dental Education Association.
More About Dentistry
The best way to learn more about a career in dentistry is to talk to your
dentist. He or she should be able to answer most of your questions about the
profession, education, and lifestyle.
You can also contact the South Dakota Dental Association for more information
about dentistry in South Dakota and dental schools.
South Dakota Dental Association
PO Box 1194
804 N Euclid Ave, Suite 103
Pierre, SD 57501
605.224.9133
Paul@sddental.org
Additional Information
For additional information visit:
www.ada.org
Other Careers in Dentistry
A dental team includes dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and
office personnel. There are also career opportunities as a dental laboratory
technician. For more information on these dental careers contact the South
Dakota Dental Association, or visit the following links to the dental assisting
and dental hygiene programs in South Dakota: USD Deptartment of Dental Hygiene
usd.edu
Western Dakota Tech – Dental Assisting Program
www.wdt.edu/corped
Lake Area Tech – Dental Assisting Program
www.latiinfo@lati.tec.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Health
Dental Tuition Reimbursement Program
www.state.sd.us/doh/rural
