Dental health is an important aspect of overall health, and dentists are a crucial part of the oral care team. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, jaws, articulations and nerves. They also provide guidance on good oral hygiene, nutrition and dietary habits. Some dentists offer cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as tooth whitening and porcelain veneers, to enhance their patients’ smiles.

A career as a dentist requires rigorous academic and professional qualifications, including three to five years of undergraduate studies and four years of graduate education in a dental school. Depending on the university, dentists earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

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After graduation, many new dentists choose to apprentice under an established practitioner for several years before buying into a practice. They often work long hours during these early years while they establish a client base and build their reputations. After they have built up a strong client base, the number of hours they work reduces significantly.

Some dentists specialize in particular aspects of dentistry, such as orthodontics and periodontics, or in specific types of patients, such as pediatrics. Others focus on dental research and development or in teaching. Still other dentists are dedicated to public service and develop and implement oral health policies and programs in underserved communities. Many dentists work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons and medical doctors, to provide the best possible care for their patients.