Pursuing a Career in Dentistry Dr. Jing Tao, D.D.S. Dr. Jing Tao Dentistry Professional Corporation August 15, 2010

Agenda 1.Is it the right career choice for you? 2. What kind of education and training are required? 3. What career opportunities can a dental degree offer you?

“I am a dentist.”

Nature of the Work Dentists are clinically involved in: Detection and Management of Oral Conditions Restoration Prevention/ Public Education Reconstruction Correction Surgery Aesthetic Improvement Dentistry is an artistic as well as scientific profession.

Nature of the Work What else do dentists do besides health care? Leadership Executive Management Professional Development Teaching and Research Community Service

Dentistry is a rewarding profession.

A Rewarding Occupation CreativityFlexibility SecurityPrestige Personal Satisfaction

Skills Required Science Manual Dexterity & Spatial judgment Eye for Details Critical and Creative Thinking Active Listening Reading Comprehension

Abilities Required Problem Sensing Inductive Reasoning Making Decisions & Solving Problems Oral Comprehension & Oral Expression Organizing, Planning, & Prioritization

Knowledge Required Medicine and Dentistry English Language Psychology Customer and Personalized Service Administration and Management

Work Environment Most dentists are solo practitioners Many dentists work 4 to 5 days per week, and possibly weekends. The work hours vary greatly among dentists. Usually work in a safe environment; work- related injuries may occur

Dentistry is one of the most stressful professions.

A Stressful Occupation 1. “The perfectionists perform the perfect work in an imperfect environment ” 2. “Nothing personal Doc, but I hate dentists! ” 3. Dealing with patients requires patience and understanding 4. Running your own business can be exhausting and involves financial risk 5. Support from Staff Learn to deal with the stress!

Education and Training Minimum of two years of college-level pre- dental education prior to admittance Most dental students have a bachelor's degree before entering dental school. High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics.

Education and Training Dental Admissions Test (DAT) DAT, applicants' grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews will be considered by the dental schools. Competition for admission to dental school is intense. Financial and Time Commitment

Education and Training Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry and physiology, including laboratory techniques. During the last 2 years, students treat patients in dental clinics under the supervision of licensed dentists. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Others award a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Dental Schools Dental schools in Canada: 10 – University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario – McGill University, Université Laval, & Université of Montréal – University of Alberta – University of British Columbia – University of Manitoba – University of Saskatchewan – Dalhousie University Dental schools in the United States: 61 – 57 dental schools accredited by the American Dental Associations (ADA)

Licensing To practice as a general dental practitioner in Canada, certification by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is mandatory, except in Quebec. In most states, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations.

Career Opportunities Solo PractitionersDental PartnersAssociate DentistsSalaried DentistsTeaching and Research

Career Opportunities Specialties: Dental Public Health Endodontics Oral &Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Medicine &Pathology Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Pediatric Dentistry Periodontics Prosthodontics

Career Opportunities Employment is projected to grow faster than the average. Job prospects should be good, reflecting the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire.

Salary * May 2008 **From 2009 U.S. National Averages

Questions to Ask Yourself Does a career that offers challenges and variety interest you? Are you passionate about oral health? Do you take pride in interacting with and helping people? Would you like to be your own boss? Do you have excellent manual dexterity and spatial judgment? Do you have a sharp memory and strong scientific interests and abilities?

Pursuing a Career in Dentistry Q & A