Dentists, General

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

On the job, you would:

• Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
• Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.

Education

• doctoral degree

Health

• medicine and dentistry

Business

• customer service
• management

Arts and Humanities

• English language

Math and Science

• biology

Basic Skills

• thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
• keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

• noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

• looking for ways to help people
• understanding people's reactions

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

• Attention to Detail
• Integrity
• Dependability
• Concern for Others
• Self Control
• Stress Tolerance

Hand and Finger Use

• put together small parts with your fingers
• keep your arm or hand steady

Verbal

• communicate by speaking
• listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

• notice when problems happen
• make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Attention

• pay attention to something without being distracted