What comes to mind when you think of dentists is probably fairly accurate. However, there are lots of surprises about dentistry that make it so interesting as a career choice. From the ability to have a positive impact on people’s lives to the variety of different roles within the profession. Also the chance to work with some cutting-edge dental technology, dentistry has many hidden benefits that may surprise you. If you’re thinking of becoming a dentist or know someone who is, read on for more information.
Dentists can have a huge impact on people’s lives!
Dentists don’t just treat teeth. They also treat other parts of the mouth and the face, including the gums. And, some dentists even specialise in facial cosmetic procedures. This means that, as a dentist, you have the potential to have a great impact on people’s self-esteem, confidence, and mental health.
This is because the health and appearance of our teeth and mouth can have a substantial impact on how we feel about ourselves. For example, people who have visible gum disease are more likely to experience anxiety. And, the quality of your teeth and the condition of your gums can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. The better your teeth look, the less likely you are to experience dental pain and the more confident you are likely to feel in yourself. This is why dentistry can be so rewarding.
Dental technology is breathtakingly advanced
When you picture dentistry, you probably think of a dentist leaning over a patient’s open mouth with a giant set of instruments. While some dentists still use traditional tools, many have upgraded to more modern, less invasive procedures. These range from laser technology to cutting-edge computer software. One tool, in particular, has made a huge difference to dentistry in the 21st century – CAD/CAM. It stands for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing.
This technology enables a dentist to design and build a new crown for a patient’s tooth before ever setting foot in the surgery. It can also be used to make a patient’s existing tooth stronger. This is done by building a special filling that is designed to withstand the forces on a tooth.
Dentistry’s care is more than just teeth
As well as treating teeth and the gums, dental professionals also help people to prevent future dental problems by providing education regarding oral hygiene. In fact, many dentists now specialise in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, which is one of the biggest causes of tooth loss in people over the age of 35.
Others work in public health and epidemiology to improve dental practices in areas that don’t have access to dental care. This can be as simple as providing fluoride treatments to children in underserved areas. It’s not all just fillings and root canals, though.
The possibility for location flexibility with Dentistry
As a dentist, you have the potential to work anywhere in the world. You don’t have to stay in the same place throughout your career – you can actually switch locations as many times as you like. You may be surprised to learn that, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists have one of the highest rates of mobility in the U.S. labor force.
Dentists are also often brought in to work in disaster areas and remote locations where it is difficult to recruit a permanent dentist. You can work in private practice, with the military, in academia, in government, or in the corporate sector.
Conclusion
When it comes to dentistry, the possibilities for career evolution are endless. You can specialize in anything from general dentistry to pediatric dentistry or periodontics. You can also choose to work in a private dental practice, teach at a university, or work in public health. Dentistry is a profession that will constantly keep you on your toes, which makes it a very rewarding field to work in. There are a few surprises about dentistry, like using the best in class dental technology.
