Dentists (NOC 3113)
Description
Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in private practice or may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities.
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Example Titles
- dentist
- endodontist
- oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- oral pathologist
- oral radiologist
- orthodontist
- pediatric dentist
- periodontist
- prosthodontist
- public health dentist
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Dental Assistants (3411)
- Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (3222)
- Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)
- Denturists (3221)
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Duties
Dentists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Examine teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate treatment
- Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth
- Perform oral surgery, periodontal surgery and other treatments
- Clean teeth and instruct patients on oral hygiene
- Design bridgework, fit dentures and provide appliances to correct abnormal positioning of the teeth and jaws, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for use by denturists and dental technicians
- Supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants and other staff.
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Skills
Dentists require the following skills and abilities:
Essential skills:
- ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- good verbal and written communication skills
- good listening and observational skills
- good visual memory and judgment of space and shape
- physical stamina and manual dexterity
- ability to concentrate for long periods of time
Technical skills:
- supervisory skills in directing and instructing staff
- administrative skills such as basic accounting, human resources and materials management
- may be required for dentists operating their own offices
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Employment Requirements
- A completed university degree from a recognized dental program is required.
- Licensing by the Manitoba Dental Association is required. Before applying for a license with the Manitoba Dental Association candidates must successfully complete the National
- Dental Examining Board (NDEB) Certification Examination.
- Dentists in general practice can move into a specialized practice through advanced training.
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Terms & Conditions
Most dentists work regular hours, although evening work is becoming increasingly common to accommodate client's daytime work patterns. Nearly all dentists work full-time (92%). Self-employment in this occupation is typical (76%).
While advances in dental treatment procedures have reduced the level of pain and discomfort experienced by the patient, dentists may experience stress from working with patients of a nervous disposition.
Earnings fall within a broad range depending upon contractual arrangements, and other factors such as hours worked and overhead costs.
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Earnings
$60,100 per annum - starting
$124,100 per annum - average
$152,600 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
The University of Manitoba offers the following programs:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) [6 years: 2 years Pre-Dentistry, 4 years Dentistry]. To apply to the Dental Medicine program you must first spend at least 2 years in a pre-dentistry program. To apply to the program you must have the required courses, which vary for each university. To apply to any dental school students must take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). Most schools also require a personal interview prior to admission. Admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine program at the University of Manitoba is restricted to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Dental graduates may apply for one of three advanced education one-year Hospital Dental internships at the Health Sciences Centre: two in general dentistry and one in children's dentistry. http://www.umanitoba.ca/dentistry
- Master of Science (M.Sc. (Dent.) in Dental Science, Orthodontics Specialty; or Oral Biology.
- Master of Dentistry (M. Den.) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; or Periodontics.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Oral Biology.
- International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP) is for graduates of international dental programs that are not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
ACCESS Programs:
- University of Manitoba offers a Special Pre-Medical Studies Program and Professional Health Program.
- Manitoba residents of Aboriginal ancestry are invited to apply to Dentistry at the University of Manitoba through the Canadian Aboriginal Applicant category.
- Brandon University and the University of Winnipeg offer Pre-Professional Dentistry programs.
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Career Paths
Dentists may find employment in community health centres, hospitals or clinics. Dentists also work in private practice.
Dentists may specialize in areas such as oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral pathology, oral radiology or public health dentistry.
Dentists may find jobs as professors, researchers, administrators, or sales representatives for dental supply companies.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for dentists are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 475.
In Manitoba, an aging population will most likely result in a greater need for adult dental care. The percentage of the population with employment related dental plans is also a significant factor in demand for dental services. As dental plans are becoming become less restrictive and coverage is expanding to include more services and procedures, enrollment is increasing.
The age profile for this occupation indicates a labour force older than the average for all occupations and as a result most job opportunities over the forecast period will result from retirements.
A proportionally larger number of positions are located in Winnipeg. All dentists in Manitoba work in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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