The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tooth decay, periodontal diseases, malocclusion, oral-facial anomalies, and other disorders contribute to proper mastication and to normal speech and facial appearance. Early detection of cancer and systemic conditions that manifest themselves through the mouth are necessary for the maintenance of general good health. The dental profession offers a variety of career options. The dentist may elect general dentistry or one of the eight recognized dental specialties. He or she may establish their own private practice or work as an employed dentist for another dentist, or a public or private agency or institution.
Career opportunities are also available in the armed forces.
Some dentists serve as administrators or public health practitioners. Dental research and education offer further career opportunities to dentists. There are 55 dental schools in the United States and Puerto Rico and ten in Canada. The traditional dental school curriculum requires four academic years of study for completion. The basic sciences are taught primarily in the first two years, and formal clinical practice the final two years.