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Dentist
Dentists provide services aimed at the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of numerous dental problems and diseases of teeth and gums.
The work of a dentist comprises five basic components:
Diagnostic work: Examination of teeth and the tissues of the mouth to diagnose diseases or abnormalities
Preventive work: Supplying the patient with information concerning the control of tooth decay, the maintenance of oral hygiene and the removal of plaque
Corrective treatment: The dentist takes X-rays of the oral structure, cleans teeth, fills cavities, treats abscesses and infections of the gums and extracts teeth. The work also entails creating impressions of the mouth to make false teeth, crowns and bridges
Surgical procedures: Includes the removal of teeth and the treatment of jaw fractures
Administrative duties: Bookkeeping and the buying of supplies as well as the supervising and managing of a whole team of co-workers such as dental assistants, receptionists, dental technicians and oral hygienists.
Dentists may specialize after a minimum of 5 years' general practice in:
- oral pathology - diseases of the mouth
- maxillo facial and oral surgery
- orthodontics - teeth straightening
-oral medicine and periodontics - treatment of the tissues of the mouth and underlying bones
- prosthodontics - denture prosthesis and crown and bridgework
- community dentistry - preventing and controlling dental disease and promoting dental health through community efforts.
Satisfying Aspects
- a good income
- establishing a practice of one's own
- setting the hours one prefers and choosing a work setting that is comfortable
- working with people
- serving as part of the health care team
Demanding aspects
- the cost involved in setting up one's own practice
- spending long hours in practice
- dealing with demanding or difficult patients
Requirements
A dentist should:
- have an interest in and an aptitude for science;
- have good judgement and diagnostic skills;
- be able to inspire confidence and trust;
- be able to concentrate well;
- have manual dexterity;
- have three dimensional abilities (to judge space and shape);
- have good eyesight and visual memory.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Prospective candidates undergo selection before admission to degree courses.
Degree: BDS or BChD - UP, UWC, UL, UKZN, Wits
Duration of the course: 5 years full-time study. Practical and clinical work is done in the dental hospital attached to the university.
Dentists must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa after completion of the required training.
Further studies can be undertaken: honours, masters or doctors degree for specialization in a specific branch of dentistry.
Employer
- Private practice
- Hospitals
- Municipal clinics
- Industries
- Universities
- Research Institutions
Contact
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
P O Box 205
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 338 9300
Fax: (012) 328 5120
E-mail: hpcsa@hpcsa.co.za
www.hpcsa.co.za
South African Dental Association (SADA)
Private Bag X1
Houghton, 2041
Tel: (011) 484 5288
Fax: (011) 642 5718
Toll Free: 0800 11 07 25
www.sadanet.co.za