In addition they clean teeth and provide other preventive services. All states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license a candidate must be a graduate of a dentist school approved by the American Dentist Association and pass written and practical examinations. Most individuals begin their careers in this field in entry level jobs, which are filled by recent graduates. These jobs usually do not require previous work experience, although prior experience in a related field may be advantageous.
Predental education emphasizes coursework in the sciences.
Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for a year or two in order to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new practice immediately after graduation. Most dentists work 4 or 5 days a week. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients' needs. Most full-time dentists work about 40 hours a week, but others work more.