Dentists
Description OES Code: 32105
Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth, gums, and related oral structures.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $43.13
25th Percentile $51.71
50th Percentile >$70.01
75th Percentile >$70.01

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
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. Initially, dentists may work more hours as they establish their practice. Experienced dentists often work fewer hours. A considerable number continue in part-time practice well beyond the usual retirement age.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 11,000
Projected Employment 2008 13,200
Percent Change 1998-2008 20%
Separations 1998-2008 2,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 170
Projected Employment 2006 190
Percent Change 1999-2006 11.8%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Dental offices have two or more fully equipped treatment rooms. Although Dentists are seated while working, they still may develop lower back problems. Job stress is common as evidenced by the increasing number who stop practicing due to "burn-out" and incidence of poor general health. Other hazards such as exposure to infectious diseases are greatly reduced by the use of safety equipment and practices.

Advancement
Advancement for most dentists takes the form of building a thriving practice and gaining community and professional recognition. Some Dentists take advanced training in specialties such as orthodontia. Dentist who work for others may become a partner. Those employed by government agencies advance to higher levels of responsibility and pay.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should apply directly to dental clinics, hospitals with dental services and to public agencies such as the California Department of Corrections or the federal Veteran's Administration. Professional journals and networking with members of dental associations frequently lead to jobs. Additionally, the military provides a good opportunity to travel and practice dentistry.

Before deciding on a location for a practice, Dentists should evaluate the potential of the community to support a practice. Checking with dental societies, dental supply houses, professional practice brokers, planning departments and other local organizations can help identify the right opportunity.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Dentists practicing in California must be licensed by the State Board of Dental Examiners. The American Dental Association National Board exam is required for graduation from an accredited dental school. It is given in two parts and is usually taken in the sophomore and senior years of dental school. Graduates are eligible to take the State licensing exam. The three-day State examination also measures practical abilities. Candidates perform specified clinical procedures on patients, make diagnoses and develop treatment plans as well as perform specified laboratory procedures. Licenses are renewed every two years, and requires
fifty hours of continuing education.

Five universities in California have schools of dentistry offering the basic Doctor of Dental Surgery degree: the University of California, San Francisco; the University of the Pacific, San Francisco; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of Southern California, Los Angeles; and the Loma Linda University near San Bernardino. These dentistry programs take either three or four years to complete. The minimum qualification for admission is two or three years of college, but most successful applicants have a Bachelor's degree.

Prerequisite courses vary with each college, but may include biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, psychology and embryology. Applicants must take the American Dental Association Admission Test. Dental education is expensive; expenditures for equipment, supplies, books and tuition can total up to $80,000 or more for four years. Scholarships, loans and loan repayment plans are available, including some federal programs requiring several years of service in an officially designated "dental shortage area." Contact dental school financial aid offices or the California Student Aid Commission at (916) 445-0880 for details.

Skills & Other Requirements
Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have good visual memory, excellent judgment of space and shape, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability. Good business sense, self-discipline, and communication skills are helpful for success in private practice. High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics.

References
California Occupational Guide Dentists, #377

Related Occupations: Dental Hygienist, #155, Dental Laboratory Technician, #243, Podiatrist, #298, Doctor of Medicine, #319, Optometrist, #467

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)