Who is a dentist or dental surgeon and what do they do? A dentist deals with the care and treatment of human teeth. The job may be done in both state-owned and private dental outpatients’ departments, at health establishments, providing dental services. S/he also finds job opportunities in the operating theatres of departments of facial and jaw surgery and in other similar places. S/he may pursue his/her professional career as a teacher at a university or as a professional adviser in insurance companies or as a teacher at secondary vocational health schools.
What are the activities of the dentist or dental surgeon? Examines patients, plans and carries out treatment for diseases and damage to the teeth, oral cavity and related organs. Makes a diagnosis of the problems, and decide appropriate treatment. Using advanced technology the dentist can cope even with possible complications arising at the time of the dental operation. S/he organises outpatient care, as well as special dental operations and activities. S/he plans programmes in the area of preventive care, both individual and collective. S/he pays special attention to the formation of appropriate habits relating to the care of children’s’ teeth.
Where is it done and under what conditions? In dental surgeries, hospitals and clinics, in a fairly comfortable environment.
What tools/equipment do they use? Specialist tools and equipment for drilling, scraping, and filling teeth, and operating on the mouth as well as amalgams and other filling materials for teeth. Small handheld mirrors and specially designed chairs and seats for both dentist and patient. X-ray facilities to take pictures of teeth.
What do you need to succeed? To qualify for this job, you need to complete studies in dentistry at a faculty of medicine or dental school of a university You need good intellectual ability, empathy, perseverance, an eye for detail, precision, consistency, ability to communicate both in written and verbal form, , ability to work independently, but also as part of a team. Another important factor is good manual coordination, adequate physical strength, manual skills in the execution of individual operations and more complicated operations, and in the handling of diagnostic and therapeutic devices and other dental equipment. A dentist must also constantly keep up to date with developments in his/her field, continuing his/her education on an ongoing basis, by following the specialist literature, and by taking part in various special events.