Written By Sikandar Khan on July 23, 2023

Introduction

Do you have a strong interest in pursuing a rewarding career in oral healthcare? This page aims to assist pre-dental students like you on your path to becoming prosperous dental professionals.

I aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to make wise decisions, achieve academic success, and seize every opportunity for practical experience through volunteer work, shadowing, and clinical internships. As you forge your way to a fulfilling dental career, be sure to take guidance and learn from upperclassmen, dental students, healthcare professionals, and any other valuable resources you can get a hold of. Talking and listening can be determinant factors on your long path to practice. However, personal commitment is something no one can give you as that comes from within.

What is Dentistry?

Dentistry is a special field of medicine that concentrates on identifying, preventing, and treating diseases affecting the teeth, gums, jaws, and other tissues in the oral cavity. Dentistry has a long history that dates back thousands of years. It has developed into a vital and dynamic subject crucial to supporting general health and well-being.

Primary healthcare providers specializing in dentistry are dentists committed to maintaining and enhancing their patients' oral health. These skilled professionals undergo rigorous education and training (which we will also undergo, good luck), giving them the knowledge and skills to diagnose dental problems, carry out a variety of treatments, and provide individualized treatment programs catered to each patient's particular needs.

Major Misconception

While dental issues like dental cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss are frequently linked to teeth, dentistry actually deals with a wide range of issues. Dental experts have received training in treating various oral illnesses, such as gum diseases, oral malignancies, malocclusions (misaligned teeth and jaws), and even breathing problems related to sleep. To prevent dental issues in the future, dentists are also essential in educating patients about maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

Career Opportunities in Dentistry

The field of dentistry offers a wide variety of employment options, allowing professionals to focus on different areas according to their skills and hobbies. The following are some well-known dental specialties:

1. Orthodontics: Orthodontists employ braces, aligners, and other orthodontic products to realign the teeth and jaws, improving the appearance and functionality of their patient's smiles.

2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Complex surgical treatments involving the jaw, the mouth, and the facial structures are carried out by oral surgeons. This covers removing wisdom teeth, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and care for face damage.

3. Periodontics: Periodontists specialize in gum surgery, dental implant placement, and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases.

4. Endodontics: Endodontists are experts in treating infections and illnesses of the dental pulp inside the tooth through root canal therapy.

5. Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating newborns, kids, and teenagers' oral health issues, making sure that young patients have a happy and loving dental experience.

6. Prosthodontics: The restoration and replacement of damaged or missing teeth using dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants is a specialty of prosthodontists.

Be on the lookout!

I will curate specific guides, tips, and various other resources to help you decide on your major of choice and enable you to better navigate the predental pathway.