Dentist--Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be a dentist? In this Career Q&A video interview, Dr. Richard Love talks about his career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success in dentistry. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry's biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 12 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL93216

Copyright date: 2015

Closed Captioned

Dentist: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:21)
Richard Love's practice focuses on taking care of whole families. He does everything in dentistry except for surgery.

Dentist: Career Beginnings (00:39)
Richard Love was going to be a physician like his father, but did not want to be away on emergency calls and became a dentist instead.

Dentist: Keys for Success (00:52)
Dentistry is moving toward high technology. However, personalized care and touch is crucial.

Dentist: Education and Certification Requirements (01:06)
Dentists usually need a four-year college degree and a degree from dental school, along with continuing education. Some go on to internships and residency.

Dentist: Workplace Atmosphere (01:41)
A dentist's work week consists of 30 hours in patient contact, plus 30 hours of other work. Continuing education can involve travel.

Dentist: Advice for Aspiring Pros (00:45)
If you become a dentist, commit wholly to dentistry as a career.

Dentist: A Day on the Job (01:50)
Dentists at Love's practice gather in the morning and review the day's patients and emergencies. He sees about ten patients each day with a variety of needs.

Dentist: Industry Goals and Services (00:41)
Dentists take care of patients and try to get them to take care of themselves.

Dentist: Industry Challenges (01:15)
Dental insurance companies have stepped between patient and dentist to make decisions about care by what they cover.

Dentist: Looking at the Future (02:00)
Dental technology is rapidly advancing. Expect tooth cloning, bacteria to fight bacteria, and anti-viral technology. Robotics may not come to dentistry, as the patient is not sedated.