A dentist performs many important tasks in the maintenance of health. Check-ups are a major part of the job and are important for patients keeping on top of their oral care. In addition to general check-ups, general dentistry involves basic treatments that can be done at a regular dental surgery. Such procedures might include filling a tooth, performing a minor surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction and cleaning and polishing teeth. All dentists encourage patients to practice good dental care by brushing and flossing and getting regular cleanings as these tasks can help prevent cavities and other tooth and gum diseases.

Within dentistry there are specific specialties which require further training creating expertise in a particular area. Examples of specialties include:

Endodontics - the area which specializes in the treatment of the internal tissues or "pulp" of the tooth which is mostly made up of nerves and blood vessels; an endodontist performs root canal treatments and other procedures and examinations involving the inner tooth

Orthodontics -deals with the straightening and alignment of the teeth and jaw; an orthodontist will fit braces and treat for disorders involving misaligned teeth; will also deal with issues involving bone in and around the mouth area which may be related to other health issues

Periodontics - refers to the area around the tooth, including the gums and other tissues; a periodontist will deal with gum disease and other gum ailments

Prosthodontics - the area relating to cosmetic dentistry and the appearance of teeth; a prosthodontist fits implants to replace removed teeth and deals with other prosthetics in the mouth

Paediatric Dentist - specializes in treating children's teeth; may work with other specialists if specific areas (e.g. gum disease) are involved

Like most careers in the health & nutrition industry, a dentist is required to be caring and compassionate as well as clever and competent. Since many people are afraid of visiting a dental surgery for treatment, it is beneficial for a dentist to be good with people and to be able to reassure them and explain procedures to them in a simple way.

Academic qualifications vary around the world but generally require an undergraduate degree in a science subject (Bachelor of Science degree) and then further postgraduate study. Most countries performing Western medicine require a dentist to have completed four years of postgraduate study to qualify as either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Other Dental degrees valid in various countries include: BDent (Bachelor of Dentistry); BDSc (Bachelor of Dental Science); MDent (Master of Dentistry); and DD (Doctor of Dentistry). There are others that are accepted in various countries, but these are the most common. After the academic qualifications have been obtained, clinical training is undertaken. In most places this is at least two years and then certification exams are required. Once fully qualified, further study can be undertaken in order to train in a specific specialty.

The workplace tends to be a dental surgery or dental hospital and the environments tend to be typical clinical environments - clean and sterile and working with the same professionals every day. The variation will be in the patients and interaction with different people everyday. As all areas require dental surgeries, it should be possible to find a workplace within easy commuting distance.

Dentists in the US command a good salary and the dental profession is generally regarded as a high paying option when choosing a career path. The average salary for dentists is between $120,000 and $150,000 although it can range from $100,000 to $200,000 with some specialties commanding even higher salaries. Salaries can vary greatly in different locations. In other regions of the world, dentists are also highly paid. In the UK National Health Service dentists earn an average salary of around £100,000 making them some of the top earners in the country. In Canada the median salary is $122,000 (Canadian dollars) and in Australia the average salary of a dentist is $60,000-$108,000 (Australian dollars).