Dentist

Job overview?
There is a definite connection between people?'?s general health and the condition of their teeth.

The mouth is often the first place where systemic illnesses manifest themselves.

A dentist diagnoses and treats diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth, corrects faulty teeth and replaces missing ones.

What do people do in this career?
A dentist?'?s work can be divided into the following main categories:-

Preventive?:
Dentists provide patients with information on the control of tooth decay, how to maintain oral hygiene and how to remove plaque.

Corrective:
Dentists treat patients by removing teeth, under local or general anaesthetic, filling cavities, treating abscesses and gum infections and straightening teeth.

For filling, the tooth is kept cool by water, spraying from the drill. Cotton wool swabs and suction apparatus in the mouth keep the teeth dry from saliva.

Once the decaying tissue is removed, the bad spot on the tooth is disinfected and after it has dried, a protective undercoat is put on.

After this has been done the amalgam, or tooth coloured filling, is placed in position.

After extractions dentists take impressions of the mouth, which are sent to the laboratory of a dental technician who makes false teeth, crowns and bridges.

Surgical:
Apart from simple extractions, dentists remove difficult teeth and treat jaw fractures.

Managerial:
A patient ought to visit the dentist at least once every six months for a routine check-up and it is the dentist?'?s responsibility to ensure, as far as possible, that the patient follows this regime.

Dentists are often assisted by dental assistants and oral hygienists.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Manual dexterity is a requirement, since delicate work must be performed quickly and with care.

Dentists must be friendly and caring. They must be able to communicate well with their patients.

Dentists?' ?work is sometimes of a strenuous nature and they must be able to work well under pressure.

What qualifications are needed?
Dentists qualify by completing a fully-comprehensive university degree course in dentistry.