A Seattle dentist usually works from 4 to 5 days a week. Some work late into the evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. A large amount of full-time dentists work between 35 and 40 hours a week, and at times, even more. Initially, a dentist may put in more hours as they’re getting their practice started. Dentists with more experience often work fewer hours. Many continue practicing part-time well beyond the usual retirement age.
All 50 States as well as the District of Columbia require licensed dentists. To qualify for a license in most States, applicants must graduate from 1 of the 56 dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Commission on Dental Accreditation, and then must pass many written, practical and oral examinations. Candidates may fulfill the written portion of the State licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Individual States or regional testing agencies run the written or practical examinations.
Dental schools normally require a minimum of 2 years of college-level pre-dental education, regardless of the chosen major. However, the majority of dental students have at least a bachelor’s degree. Pre-dental education focuses on scientific coursework, and many applicants major in a scientific field such as biology or chemistry, while many others major in another subject and take the many required science courses as well. Few applicants are accepted into dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and complete their bachelor’s degree while attending dental school.
All schools of dentistry require applicants to take the dentists Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools not only consider scores earned on the DAT, but also the applicants’ grade point averages, recommendations, and interviews. The competition for admission into dental school is intense.
Dental school typically lasts four academic years. Studies commence with classroom instruction and laboratory work in fundamental sciences, including not only anatomy, but microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, also are provided during this time. When they have reached the last 2 years, students are able to treat patients with the help of an intructor, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The rest award an equivalent degree called, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
A number of dental school graduates take a job from a reputable seattle dentist or bellevue dentist as an associate for a few years to gain experience and save up money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one directly after graduation.
In 2004, 17 States licensed dentists who intended to practice in a specialized area. Requirements include 2 to 4 years of postgraduate education and, in some cases, the completion of a special State examination. Most State licenses permit dentists to engage in both general and specialized practice. A Seattle Dentist who desires to teach or conduct research usually spends an added two to five years in advanced dental preparation in programs run by dental schools or hospitals. According to the ADA, each year about twelve percent of new graduates enroll in postgraduate training programs to prepare for a dental specialty.
Dentistry requires someone with plenty of manual aptitude and diagnostic ability. Dentists should possess a great visual memory, a high degree of manual dexterity, excellent judgment in regard to space and shape, and scientific knowledge. They must have a good business sense, be self-disciplined, and communicate well with others. These skills are helpful for success in not only private practice, but general practice as well. High school and university students who want to become dentists should apply for courses in biology, physics, health, chemistry, and math.