About the Job

NOC: 3113
Occupation: Dentists
Category: Health Occupations

Nature Of Work:

Dentists examine, assess, diagnose, prevent, and treat disorders of the teeth and tissues of the mouth. For example, they remove decay and fill cavities, examine x-rays, place protective plastic sealants on children's teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They perform dental hygiene procedures and counsel patients on their oral health.

Dentists also diagnose and correct abnormalities in the growth, development and positioning of teeth and other dental-facial structures; replace missing teeth; and correct irregularities of the mouth and jaw to improve speech, eating and appearance.

They may specialize in the areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, periodontics, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, prosthodontics, and public health dentistry.

Skills:

To work in this field, you should be able to work carefully with your hands and have an aptitude for precise and accurate work. You should be able to work with mirror images. A reassuring manner is needed to help patients feel relaxed. You must be comfortable working with instruments and apparatus. Basic skills in operating a business are important. Artistic ability may also be helpful. You must be willing to continually update your knowledge and skills.

Other Considerations:

Most dentists are self-employed and operate their own practices.