The next largest group, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, operate on the mouth and jaws. 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. A considerable number continue in part-time practice well beyond the usual retirement age.
Some dentists have partners, and a few work for other dentists as associate dentists.
Dentists wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases, such as hepatitis. Employment Dentists held about 162,000 jobs in 1996. About 9 out of 10 dentists are in private practice. Others work in private and public hospitals and clinics, and in dental research. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement All 50 States and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed.