Dentists

Dentists offer two closely integrated services: the diagnosis and treatment of injuries, diseases and defects in the oral area, and the mechanical repair and restoration of function of the teeth and jaws. This includes the correction of missing teeth. The dentist also makes prosthetic appliances (false teeth), crowns and bridges to replace missing teeth.

Job Characteristics

• Diagnosing abnormalities of the mouth and other systematic illnesses that are manifested in the mouth.



• Giving preventative dental care by advising clients on how to combat tooth decay and infections of the gums, as well as how to maintain oral hygiene and how to remove plaque.



• Removing teeth, treating abscesses and gum infections, filling cavities and straightening teeth.



• Treating abscesses and gum infections.



• Taking X-rays of teeth and jaws for diagnostic purposes and taking impressions of the mouth for the purpose of making false teeth, crowns, plates and bridges.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of an outstanding HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to gain admission to study at South African universities.
 
Compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science (South Africa)

Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
The five and a half year B.D.S./B. Ch. D. degree can be followed at the following universities: Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Witwatersrand and Medunsa. Thereafter the candidate registers as dentist with the HPCSA.

No training is currently offered in Namibia. Prospective dentists must however register with the Namibia Dental Board.

Personality
The prospective dentist should be friendly, able to work under pressure and maintain good interpersonal skills. Extraordinary manual dexterity is furthermore required as he/she must perform delicate, fine-tuned technical work quickly, accurately and with the necessary care.

Work Opportunities
Dentists are employed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Self-employment is a viable option after sufficient experience has been gained. Job prospects seem to be favourable.

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