Dentist Job Description

What is the job description of a Dentist? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Dentist? What does a Dentist do?

Job description of a Dentist

Dentists are medical healthcare professionals who focus specifically on the oral and dental hygiene of their patients. Dentists clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy.

This Dentist job description example includes the list of most important Dentist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Dentist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Dentist Duties and Responsibilities

Dentist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Examine patients’ medical records
  • Prepare patients for treatment (e.g. by applying oral sedation or anesthesia)
  • Check teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth, along with X-rays and tests, to diagnose dental problems
  • Clean teeth and remove plaque
  • Identify tooth decay and replace cavities with fillings
  • Prescribe medication as needed
  • Educate patients on proper brushing techniques, flossing and fluoride use
  • Promote good oral health and preventive dental care (e.g. by scheduling regular check-ups)
  • Design and fit dental prosthetics, such as bridges, crowns and dentures
  • Apply teeth-whitening treatments
  • Conduct tooth extractions and root canal procedures
  • Perform surgeries on diseased tissues and bones

Dentist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Dentist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine.
  • State license and malpractice insurance.
  • Additional experience, certifications, or licensing may be required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to keep detailed records.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of dental procedures, tools, and diagnostics.
  • Good management skills.
  • Strong computer skills and experience with healthcare databases and applications.
  • Willingness to comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding dental and health care.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Dentist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Dentist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Dentist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.