Career in Medical Science: Dentist
Research conducted by many independent institutes suggests that Americans are obsessed for having pearl like teeth resulting in rise of professionals who are trained in performing dental care. Dentists are professionals who diagnose and treat oral issues by providing advice on mouth care which includes gums, teeth and oral health.
Dentists are licensed healthcare professionals trained in treatment of oral diseases. These professionals typically remove decay, repair teeth defects, perform oral surgery and teach patients about dental care. To become a dentist, a strong background in science is essential. To become a licensed dentist a degree in dentistry is essential. There are other criterion which act as fundamental requirements, these include -
Requirements: There are very few colleges in USA with dental accreditation and hence admission to a dental school is quite difficult. In order to get admitted to a dental school, students must have to undergo Dental Admission Test. DAT score and other factors determine the admission factor. Most students earn a bachelor's degree before entering a dental school; some are admitted before graduation and obtain degree during dental school. The 4 year study gives degree of Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). The four years are divided into 2 parts- initial 2 years consist of natural and clinical science instruction in classroom and laboratory while the final two years are dedicated to experience. Post doctoral degrees are also offered which helps to gain specialization in dentistry. License is essential for all professionals before starting practice which vary from state to state.
Payment: Healthcare services usually offer high income options for everyone associated with it. According to May 2011 reports presented by Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for dental professionals is $161,750. In Missouri, the average annual wages of 1,530 dentists is around $134,180. Most dentists work individually and hence prefer full-time career which allows them flexibility.
Job in oral health field is increasing rapidly as many dentists keep assistants and dental hygienists for their assistance. It is projected that the oral healthcare jobs are going to rise by 21% - 12% depending upon the specialty.
In Missouri, colleges which offer doctor's degree in dentistry are University of Missouri- Kansas City and A T Still University of Health Sciences- Kirksville.
Healthcare and science related fields offer many interesting careers which are beneficial for mankind; one such is related to solving dental and oral problems in the form of dentistry.