Kathryn Dundervill is interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. She is currently a Health Science major at Clemson University to help achieve her goal of attending dental school. Dentistry appeals to her because her personality assessment showed she is highly social, which is important for dentists who work closely with patients. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, she will need to take the Dental Acceptance Test, maintain a competitive GPA, and gain experience through shadowing and work before applying to dental school. If accepted, she will complete further education and training, and obtain the necessary license to practice dentistry.

1. +
A Career In Dentistry
Kathryn Dundervill

2. +
Introduction
 I came into Clemson hoping to attend dental school after
graduation
 Being a Health Science major will help me achieve that goal
 I think dentistry is a good profession for me because my O*NET
profiler showed that social was my highest score and dentists
are constantly around other people
 I enjoy working with people to help others and solve problems

3. +
History of Dentistry
 Earliest evidence of dentistry dates back to 7000 BC.
 Teeth drilled with “bow drills”
 Dental surgery was the first specialization from the origin in
medicine
 A “tooth worm” was believed to be the cause of dental caries
 First use of dental appliances or bridges come from the
Etruscans
 Dental procedures was performed by barber or general
physicians
 The dental pelican was used to perform extractions

4. +
Dentistry Today
 Remove decay from teeth
 Fill cavities
 Repair cracked or fractured teeth
 Remove teeth
 Straighten teeth to correct bite issues
 Place sealants
 Administer anesthetics to prevent patients from feeling pain

5. +
Different Programs/Mission
Statements
 Medical University of South Carolina
 To be a national leader in dental education, service and research,
and to be an outstanding place to learn, teach, expand knowledge
and work and serve
 West Virginia University
 Mission is to promote a diverse and dynamic learning environment
that addresses the present and future oral health needs of the
citizen of West Virginia and beyond by providing an oral health
center committed to excellence
 Virginia Commonwealth University
 Education of highly qualified dental professions, research that
advances the understanding of oral health and diseases, service to
the community and improved oral and general health of our patients
and the general population

6. +
Dentistry Statistics
 2012 Median Pay: $149,310 per year and $71.79 per hour
 Need a doctoral or professional degree
 146,800 jobs in 2012
 The growth potential is 16% (faster than average) over next 10
years

7. +
How to Become a Dentist
 First need a bachelors degree
 Take the Dental Acceptance Test
 Competitive GPA
 Shadowing/work/volunteer experience
 Passing boards to get licensed

8. +
Typical College Courses
 Chemistry
 Organic Chemistry
 Biology
 Biochemistry
 Physics
 Anatomy
 Genetics
 Microbiology

9. +
Average Academic Profiles
 West Virginia University
 Avg. overall GPA: 3.56
 Avg. Science GPA: 3.45
 DAT Avg. Academic Score: 18
 Avg. PAT score: 18
 Medical University of South Carolina
 Avg. cumulative GPA: 3.65
 DAT Avg. Academic Score: 19
 Avg. PAT score: 20
 Virginia Commonwealth University
 Avg. GPA: 3.6
 DAT Avg. Academic Score: 20

10. +
Personal Academics
 Academic Average DAT: 19
 Perceptual Ability Test: 22
 Cumulative GPA: 3.66
 Science GPA: 3.5
 Shadowing hours: >150 hours at various offices
 Work experience at Pediatric Dentist Office
 Mission trip to a Guatemalan Dental Clinic

11. +
Training/Licenses
 Additional training before practicing a specialty
 General dentistry does not require additional training
 All states require dentists to be licensed (requirements vary by
state)
 Pass a written and practical exam
 Dentists need a license for specialties
 Residency term sometimes required

12. +
Dentistry Specialties
 Endodontist: concerned with morphology, physiology and
pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues
 Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: concerned with production
and interpretation of images and data produced by all
modalities of radiant energy that are used for diagnosis and
management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral
and maxillofacial region
 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: diagnosis, surgical and
adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving
function and esthetic aspects of maxillofacial region
 Oral Pathologist: deals with nature, identification, and
management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial
regions

13. +
Dentistry Specialties
 Orthodontics: includes diagnosis, prevention, interception, and
correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal
abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures
 Pediatrics: age-defined specialty that provides both primary and
comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for
infants and children through adolescence (includes those with
special health care needs)
 Periodontics: prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of
the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their
substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function, esthetics
of these structures and tissues
 Prosthodontics: pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, planning,
rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort and
appearance associated with missing or deficient teeth

14. +
Important Qualities
 Communication skills
 Detail oriented
 Dexterity
 Leadership and organizational skills
 Patience
 Physical stamina
 Problem solving skills

15. +
O*Net Results
 Investigative
 I like to solve problems
 Social
 I enjoy teaching and giving advice
 I like to work around other people
 I enjoy helping other and being of service to those in need
 Enterprising
 I hope to own my own practice
 Persuade and lead people
 Making important decisions about the business
 I like to take action
 I like to be the leader within a group

16. +
Conclusion
 Oral hygiene is becoming increasingly important
 New evidence suggests health of the mouth mirrors a persons
overall health
 Important to see a dentist regularly to keep mouth in top shape
 I hope to become a dentist in order to improve the oral care in
areas that have a low socioeconomic status
 A career in dentistry will be fulfilling for me because I am social,
investigative, and enterprising

17. +
Sources
 "About MUSC." About MUSC. Medical University of South Carolina, n.d.
Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
 "Dentists: Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
 "Healthy Smile, Healthy You: The Importance of Oral Health.” Delta
Dental, 11 May 2015. Web. 1 Sept. 2015.
 "O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move." O*NET Interest Profiler at My
Next Move. O*NET Interest Profiler, n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
 "Programs and Admissions." VCU School of Dentistry. VCU School of
Dentistry, 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
 "School of Dentistry." West Virginia University. West Virginia
University, n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
 "What Are the Dental Specialties?" Michigan Dental Association.
Michigan Dental Association, n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.