To some dentists only money means success; while some are after the welfare of the patients and alleviating their problems effectively and charging what is just and necessary while maintaining ethical standards. Research of the present days show oral health and hygiene is essential since there is a relation between people's general heath and their oral health. Hence, there is a growing importance of dentists in society.
Educationally, a dentist has to complete prescribed dental science courses like D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D. D. M. (Doctor of Dental Medicine). However, state licensing requires the successful completion of tests prescribed by individual states. Prior to going for a degree, it is advisable to get admitted to a two year's dental program after completion of a Bachelor's degree.
Having gone through these stages, the next in succession is being admitted for a dental course in a dental college accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. On this aspect you should seek the guidance from the American Dental association. The dental school courses are of four year duration; the first two years are allocated for classroom studies and the next two years for clinical attendance under supervisory control. It is better to check with the state health department regarding licensing requirements to be fully acquainted with their regulatory needs.
After completion of the formal education for a dentist and procurement of the license, you can begin as an associate dentist practicing in the area you are located in or the place where you may want to establish yourself. This step will expose you to the firsthand experience of the profession of the types of dental problems and the types of the patients you are going to handle. You will also become more conversant with the instruments and the gadgets used by a dentist, some of which you may not have come across during your studies.
You have to push yourself as an expert in the profession by continuing to keep abreast of the advancements in dental science. There is innovation of new techniques, medicines, gadgets and instruments; and the concepts in medical science every day. This knowledge is inseparable for a successful dentist. Join the forum of dentists and make contributions to dentistry. Contributing articles to established journals is an easy way of enriching the professional community.
You should be a friendly personality. Avoid painful processes as much as you can and don't be the one who appears to be waiting with tongs to extract. Be keen about the comfort of your patients, and try to assess their personal feeling as far as possible in initiating the treatment procedure. Advertise in the yellow page directories or if possible have your own interactive website.
