Many people dread the dentist. When they open wide, they're afraid what the dentist will find. Yet another cavity? Or even worse – will it be time for a root canal? Will the dentist embarrass them about their flossing frequency or their coffee drinking? Will they push procedures that patients don't want? According to Ada S. Cooper, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association and dentist with a private practice in New York City, these concerns are why establishing trust is so important. "Patients have to know that dentists are doing what's best for them," Cooper says. And they can do this by being honest, ethical and compassionate – three qualities Cooper looks for when she is hiring at her practice. She also highlights the importance of good communication skills.
Dentists identify and treat problems concerning a patient's mouth, gums and teeth. Their duties include extracting teeth, fitting dentures and filling cavities. Some choose to specialize in areas that range from treating serious oral problems and diseases to straightening teeth and performing oral surgeries. They are assisted by dental hygienists, who complete a patient's teeth cleaning, and by dental assistants, who usually help with recordkeeping and instrument sterilization.
The need for professionals to examine our teeth, fill and – gulp – refill our cavities isn’t fading. And because more people want cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening to attain pearly whites, the demand for dentists is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth of nearly 16 percent between 2012 and 2022, with more than 23,000 new openings. A comfortable salary, low unemployment rate and agreeable work-life balance boost dentist to a top position on our list of Best Jobs of 2015.