Dentists is in the Health Services Career Cluster. Good ability to talk to patients and find out what is wrong Good ability to move the hands easily and skillfully Good ability to work with numbers Ability to see the difference between colors Ability to make decisions and solve problems Ability to operate equipment precisely Desire to help people with their physical needs Willingness to work in stressful situations Physical Demands Constantly need to see nearby objects clearly, as when looking in a patients mouth Frequently talk and listen to patients and coworkers Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle instruments Frequently use fingertips to feel patients' teeth and gums Frequently use fingers to pick up small items, such as floss Occasionally judge distances, as between teeth Occasionally need to tell the difference between colors Occasionally need to exert force when pulling teeth Work Setting Dentists work inside in offices or labs. When working on teeth, dentists sometimes need to exert force. Most full-time dentists work about 40 hours a week. Some dentists work evenings or Saturdays.
Many dentists work past the normal retirement age.
Hazards include exposure to infectious diseases and radiation. Injuries are possible from drills and sharp tools. Dentists wear protective clothing such as masks, gloves, glasses, and lead shields. They often wear lab jackets. Recent dental school graduates may work for established dentists for a few years in order to gain experience and save money for an office of their own.