Dentists diagnose and treat patients’ oral health needs. Dentists enjoy a unique, diverse, technology-driven profession with numerous areas of service and expertise. Opportunities include general dentistry or specialist areas such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics and endodontics.
What does a dentist do?
- Diagnose oral disease.
- Create treatment plans to maintain or restore oral health.
- Interpret x-rays and diagnostic tests.
- Monitor the development of teeth and jaws.
- Perform surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissue of the oral cavity.
- Manage oral trauma and other emergency situations.
What kind of training does a dentist need?
Dentists must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year doctorate degree in dentistry. Many dentists also complete rigorous residency programs following dental school.
Click here for a list of accredited dental schools in Ohio.
