Dental Dentists Covering One's School Eslpod Teeth Students

Dentists "diagnose" (identify the source of a problem or illness) and treat problems with a patient's teeth, "gums" (the soft, pink material that helps to hold teeth in place), and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on "diet" (what one eats and drinks) choices that affect "oral" (mouth) health.

Dentists use a variety of materials and equipment. They wear "masks" (covering over the mouth or face), "gloves" (covering over the hands), and "safety glasses" (covering the eyes) to protect themselves and their patients from "infectious" (able to be transmitted or transferred from one person to another) diseases.

Dentists also use different types of equipment, including "x-ray machines," which take pictures of the body under the skin, and "drills," tools that turn very quickly to make holes in hard surfaces.

Most dental students need at least a bachelor's degree before entering dental school. All dental schools require applicants to have completed certain required science courses, such as "biology" (the study of living things) and "chemistry" (the study of the substances that matter or things are composed of). "Majoring in" (selecting as one's main focus of university study) a science, such as biology, might increase the chances of being accepted, but no specific major is required to enter most dental programs.

College undergraduates who plan on applying to dental school must usually take the Dental Acceptance Test (DAT) during their "junior year" (third year) of college. Admission to dental school can be "competitive" (difficult to achieve or get). Dental schools use these tests, along with other factors such as "grade point average" (the average of one's grades from individual courses) and recommendations, to admit students into their programs.

Dentists must be licensed in all states; requirements vary by state. In most states, a license requires a degree from an "accredited" (official, having met state or federal requirements) dental school and passing a written and "practical" (using one's hands to complete tasks) exam.