Pursuing a Career in Dentistry

1. Pursuing a Career in Dentistry Dr. Jing Tao, D.D.S. Dr. Jing Tao Dentistry Professional Corporation August 15, 2010

2. Agenda • Is it the right career choice for you? 2. What kind of education and training are required? 3. What career opportunities can a dental degree offer you?

3. “I am a dentist.”

4. Nature of the Work Dentists are clinically involved in: • Detection and Management of Oral Conditions • Restoration • Prevention/ Public Education • Reconstruction • Correction • Surgery • Aesthetic Improvement Dentistry is an artistic as well as scientific profession.

5. Nature of the Work What else do dentists do besides health care? • Leadership • Executive Management • Professional Development • Teaching and Research • Community Service

6. Dentistry is a rewarding profession.

7. A Rewarding Occupation

8. Skills Required • Science • Manual Dexterity & Spatial judgment • Eye for Details • Critical and Creative Thinking • Active Listening • Reading Comprehension

9. Abilities Required • Problem Sensing • Inductive Reasoning • Making Decisions & Solving Problems • Oral Comprehension & Oral Expression • Organizing, Planning, & Prioritization

10. Knowledge Required • Medicine and Dentistry • English Language • Psychology • Customer and Personalized Service • Administration and Management

11. Work Environment • Most dentists are solo practitioners • Many dentists work 4 to 5 days per week, and possibly weekends. The work hours vary greatly among dentists. • Usually work in a safe environment; work-related injuries may occur

12. Dentistry is one of the most stressful professions.

14. A Stressful Occupation 1. “The perfectionists perform the perfect work in an imperfect environment ” 2. “Nothing personal Doc, but I hate dentists! ” 3. Dealing with patients requires patience and understanding 4. Running your own business can be exhausting and involves financial risk 5. Support from Staff Learn to deal with the stress!

15. Education and Training • Minimum of two years of college-level pre-dental education prior to admittance • Most dental students have a bachelor's degree before entering dental school. • High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics.

16. Education and Training • Dental Admissions Test (DAT) • DAT, applicants' grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews will be considered by the dental schools. • Competition for admission to dental school is intense. • Financial and Time Commitment

17. Education and Training • Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry and physiology, including laboratory techniques. • During the last 2 years, students treat patients in dental clinics under the supervision of licensed dentists. • Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Others award a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

18. Dental Schools • Dental schools in Canada: 10 • University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario • McGill University, Université Laval, & Université of Montréal • University of Alberta • University of British Columbia • University of Manitoba • University of Saskatchewan • Dalhousie University • Dental schools in the United States: 61 • 57 dental schools accredited by the American Dental Associations (ADA)

19. Licensing

20. Career Opportunities

21. Career Opportunities

22. Career Opportunities

23. Salary * May 2008 **From 2009 U.S. National Averages

24. Questions to Ask Yourself • Does a career that offers challenges and variety interest you? • Are you passionate about oral health? • Do you take pride in interacting with and helping people? • Would you like to be your own boss? • Do you have excellent manual dexterity and spatial judgment? • Do you have a sharp memory and strong scientific interests and abilities?

25. Pursuing a Career in Dentistry Q & A