How much does a Dentist earn? Salary, What it is, What it does

What is a Dentist? Dentists diagnose and treat problems related to teeth. In addition they treat a patient's gums and mouth parts. They provide advice and instructions on how to care for teeth and gums.

It is also a dentist's role to talk about food choices that affect oral health.

What Does a Dentist Do?

Dentists usually do the following:

• Remove tooth decay and fill cavities.
• Repair cracked or fractured teeth.
• Straighten teeth to correct bite problems.
• They put sealants or whitening agents on the teeth.
• Administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures.
• Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
• They examine X-rays of the teeth, gums, jaw and surrounding areas.
• They make models and measurements for dental appliances.
• Teach patients about diet, flossing, fluoride use, and other aspects of dental care.
• They use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors, probes, tweezers, brushes and scalpels. They also use lasers, digital scanners and other computer technologies.

Dentists in private practices also oversee a variety of administrative tasks. This includes accounting, purchasing equipment and supplies.

They employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians and receptionists.

Most dentists deal with a variety of dental needs just like a general practitioner. Other dentists practice in one of several specialty areas:

• Dental public health specialists

They promote good oral health and prevent dental disease in specific communities.

• endodontist

Endodontists perform root canal therapy, removing the nerves and blood supply to injured or infected teeth.

• dental radiology

Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose head and neck diseases through the use of imaging technologies.

• oral and maxillofacial surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaw, teeth, gums, neck and head, including procedures such as surgically repairing a cleft lip and palate or removing teeth impacted.

• oral pathology

Oral pathologists diagnose conditions in the mouth, such as bumps or ulcers, and oral diseases, such as cancer.

• orthodontist

Orthodontists straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or other devices.

• pediatric dentists

Pediatric dentists focus on dentistry for children and patients with special needs.

• periodontics

Periodontists treat the gums and the bones that support the teeth.

• Prosthetist

Prosthodontists are dentists who replace missing teeth with permanent fixtures such as crowns and bridges, or with removable accessories such as dentures.

How Much Does a Dentist Earn?

Currently, Law 3,999, from 1961, provides that the salary of a dental surgeon must be three times the amount of the minimum wage (currently R$ 998).

According to the average wage available on LoveMonday, a dentist earns, on average, BRL 5,220 monthly. This amount can reach more than R$ 35,000, depending on the region and the way the professional works.

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