The Sixth Report to the President and Congress on the Status of Health Professions in the U.S., reported there is little doubt that in lieu of some dramatic intervention we can expect a shortage of dentists, maybe as soon as 2010 by certainly by 2020. The dental profession offers a variety of career options. The dentist may choose general dentistry or one of the eight recognized dental specialties. He or she may establish his or her own private practice or work as an employed dentist for another dentist or a public or private agency or institution. The dentist may choose solo or group practice or work with other health professionals in the provision of total health care.
Career opportunities are also available in the armed forces.
Some dentists serve as administrators or public health practitioners. Dental research or education offers further career opportunities to dentists. Some of these career possibilities are described below. Most dentists engage in general practice, bringing their skills in oral diagnosis, prevention and rehabilitation directly to the patient. The general practitioner is not only called upon to restore damaged or missing tooth structure but can also provide a positive program of preventative oral health care.