Dentistry
Description:
Most dentists are general practitioners, handling a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas. Orthodontists, the largest group of specialists, straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or retainers. The next largest group, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, operates on the mouth and jaws. The remainder may specialize as pediatric dentists (focusing on dentistry for children); periodontists (treating gums and bone supporting the teeth); prosthodontists (replacing missing teeth with permanent fixtures, such as crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures, such as dentures); endodontists (performing root canal therapy); public-health dentists (promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases within the community); oral pathologists (studying oral diseases); or oral and maxillofacial radiologists (diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies). Also, dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and buying equipment and supplies. They may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.Educational Requirements:
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. Most State licenses permit dentists to engage in both general and specialized practice. Dentists who want to teach or do researchu sually spend an additional two to five years in advanced dental training, in programs operated by dental schools or hospitals. Dental schools requirea minimum of two years of college-level pre-dental education. However, most dental students have at least a bachelor's degree.
Wages:
Earnings among Dentists vary according to number of years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty. Average national and state wages for dentists (excluding those selfemployed), by specialty.The average annual salary in Maine is $129,376
