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THE BLACK DENTISTS IN THE NEW MILLINEUM: WHERE ARE THEY?
by Dr. Michael Rowland
Is there a projected job market and future for dentists?
As a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine
(DMD), (these degrees are similar however the name of the degree
depends upon where the degree was awarded.) you can expect the
job outlook for dentists to be very solid. It is expected that
the number of retiring dentists will outnumber the number of
students graduating from dental school, which means this is an
excellent time to enter dentistry. The American Dental
Association (1996) reports that only 152,000 active dentists in
the United States and that "the average income of a dentist
is in the highest 8% of U.S. family income." They also state
(1995) the average net income for a general dentist was about
$124,960 and $196,670 for specialists. "the average net
income for dentists between 30 and 34 years of age was $104, 790
and for those from 45-49 year of age it was $156,540 in 1995.
Specialists in the 45-49 year old age group averaged $236,780 a
year net income." (ADA Fact Sheet)
There are numerous career opportunities and options for African
American students interested in oral health care delivery. As a
DDS or DMD you can practice as a general dentist seeing a variety
of patients and cases while some dentists prefer to work with
targeted populations such as older patients (geriatrics), or
perhaps with high school and college sports teams as in sports
dentistry. In addition to general practice, there are eight
dental specialties (post-graduate programs) within dentistry
which students can pursue after obtaining the dental degree.
Dentists can have a career in Dental Public Health with a
government agency, health organizations, public schools systems,
or community and private agencies. Other specialties include
dentists who work primarily with the nerves of the tooth or what
is more commonly known as root canals (Endodontics), while some
dentists focus on the diseases of the mouth (Oral pathology).
Another specialty area in dentistry that is quite popular and
that many students are familiar with are the dentists who work on
straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment (Orthodontics).
Still some dentists limit their practice to working with children
and helping younger patients develop good oral hygiene habits
early (Pedodontics). Another area of dentistry focuses on the
gums and the tissues around the teeth (Periodontics). Some
dentists specialize in the restoration of teeth or who make
dentures (Prosthodontics). Finally, the dentist who primarily
performs surgery on the mouth and cheekbones, and the specialty
which requires the most training after dental school is oral and
maxillofacial surgery.
A dental degree can provide career opportunities in research
areas such as with a health care or pharmaceutical company or in
sales. In addition to the normal duties of a dentist, some
dentists serve as consultants for universities, insurance
companies, or dental manufacturers. There is a great need for
African Americans in academic positions teaching in dental
schools. We need African American faculty members who can
cultivate, mentor and nurture the interest of African American
students and guide them through their academic and professional
career. The academic dentist instructs pre-doctoral dental
students and some teach dental hygiene skills to potential
hygienists.
As a young African American dentist, you may choose to serve as a
dental volunteer in an economically depressed area in a foreign
country or in underserved areas in the United States where dental
costs and care are have become out of the reach of many lower
income families. The armed services are an alternative area in
which dentists can serve. Many branches of the armed services
offer scholarships to students who make a three to four year
commitment to serve in the armed forces after dental
school.
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