Careers in Dentistry
General Career Information
A career in dentistry can provide many exciting and rewarding
opportunities. Some of the advantages of a career in dentistry include:
- Independence of owning and operating your own business
- Challenge as a health care provider
- Opportunity to serve others
- Flexibility of living anywhere you'd like
- Options to teach and/or conduct research
- Satisfaction of knowing you play a vital role in your community
If these advantages are attractive to you, a career in dentistry may be right for you.
Employment Opportunities
Most dentists are self-employed and establish a private practice alone or
in partnership with other dentists. Other career options include public
health, academia and the military. Some dentists complete advanced
training after earning their dental degrees to specialize in areas such
as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology or other areas.
After completing the D.M.D. program, the new dentist is expected to:
- Recognize and provide for the oral health needs of the people of Georgia, the region and the nation.
- Deliver contemporary and efficient high-quality oral health care.
- Conduct themselves in an ethical manner and appreciate the need for life-long learning.
A Second-to-None Education
The MCG School of Dentistry offers a four-year program leading to a doctor of
dental medicine degree. Dual programs in oral biology also are available. The
dental curriculum consist of courses in oral biology, clinical sciences,
behavioral sciences and management.
An MCG dental education emphasizes early exposure to patients. Students begin treating patients as early as sophomore year, enjoying a seamless transition from lecture halls and laboratories to clinics. As they master new skills they practice them in the clinic, closely supervised by caring, committed faculty. The fourth year of education is devoted almost solely to patient care. Students also practice their skills in clinics and facilities throughout the state.
Dental school requires intense focus, hard work and long hours, but MCG's caring and dedicated faculty and staff are on hand to assist every step of the way. Most students approach dental school as a full-time pursuit, but students with jobs and/or families, including those who pursue dentistry as a second career, have excelled at MCG. Balance and commitment are key.
MCG's numerous student organizations, as well as dental organizations for students, provide fun, camaraderie and inspiration. Some of these organizations emphasize fun and relaxation. Others provide an early start on networking and the opportunity to help shape the dental field.
Degrees Offered
- D.M.D. - Doctor of Dental Medicine
11 semesters, including successful testing of the National Boards I & II
- M.S. or Ph.D.
Oral Biology Dual Degree offered through the graduate program of the Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology.
Accreditation
The School of Dentistry's Doctor of Dental Medicine program is fully accredited
by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
The commission's most recent site visit yielded eight commendations in
predoctoral and graduate programs for outstanding performance. MCG students'
scores on the National Boards I and II, required to practice dentistry, are
consistently among the highest in the nation.