Physician Dentist

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth.

Requirements

• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
• Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
• Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
• Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.
• Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
• Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
• Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
• Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.
• Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.
• Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.
• Perform oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.
• Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.
• Manage business, employing and supervising staff and handling paperwork and insurance claims.
• Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color.
• Plan, organize, or maintain dental health programs.
• Produce or evaluate dental health educational materials.