1. Career Research
Keith D. Tormey
HLTH 419
September 2, 2015

2. Introduction
O The career I have chosen to research is
dentistry. Dentistry has many different branches
and has evolved greatly since 5000 B.C.
Despite the different branches, a common goal
of all dental professionals’ is to improve a
patient’s oral health and promote quality oral
hygiene. Dentistry as a career is growing,
therefore I have decided to research this
profession a little deeper and get to know the
real details of all it has to offer.

3. The History of Dentistry
O The first known dentist dates back to 2600 BC, Hesey-Re, an
Egyptian, was referred to as “the greatest of those who dealt
with teeth”
O However dental procedures date back as far as 5500 BC to
the Sumerians, who believed “tooth worms” were the cause
of dental decay.
O The Middle Ages is when dentistry begins as a profession
O In 700, a Chinese medical text mentions the us of “silver
paste”, a type of amalgam.
O The Father of Modern Dentistry is known as Pierre Fauchard.
O He was the first to describe a comprehensive system for the
practice of dentistry including basic oral anatomy and
function, operative and restorative techniques, and denture
construction

4. Dentistry in America
O John Baker was the earliest medically-trained dentist
to practice in America in 1760.
O In 1801, Richard Skinner write the Treatise on the
Human Teeth, the first dental book published in
America.
O The American Dental Association was established in
1859.
O Harvard University Dental School was the first
university-affiliated dental institution.
O Currently as of 2015, the United States has 65 dental
institutions where it is possible to receive a DDM or
DDS degree.

5. Work Environment and Salary
O Most dentists usually work in offices wearing masks, gloves,
and safety glasses to protect themselves from infectious
diseases.
O Some dentists own their own businesses and work alone,
while many work with a small staff to provide the best possible
care.
O The majority of dentists work full time in order to meet their
patient’s needs however, the number of hours worked varies
among different dentists.
O Each branch of dentistry differs in their median annual wage,
but according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
median annual wage for dentists was $149,310.
O The lowest 10% earned less than $73,840
O The highest 10% earned $187,200 or more

6. Growth Potential
O Dentistry has an expected career grow of 16%
from 2012-2022, faster than average for all
occupations.
O There are many areas of the United States where
patients need dental care, but have little access to
it. Cosmetic dental services, such as teeth-
whitening treatments, will become increasingly
popular. This trend is expected to continue as new
technologies allow for less invasive, faster
procedures.

7. Education and Licensure
O Most dental students need at least a bachelor’s degree,
but requirements vary by school.
O Dental school applicants must take the Dental Acceptance
Test (DAT) before acceptance into dental school.
O Dental school training usually takes 4 years to complete
in addition to a 1 or 2 year residency program.
O All states require dentists to be licensed; requirements
vary by state. Most states require a dentist to have a
degree from an accredited dental school and to pass a
written and practical exam
O Once this is complete and passed, one is officially a
general dentist (DDM). Different specialties require
more training

8. Why I am qualified
O I am a senior Health Science major with a concentration in
Preprofessional Health Studies.
O My cumulative GPA is a 3.85 out of a 4.0.
O I have been on two mission trips to Central American
countries where I assisted in many oral surgical procedures,
performed routine hygiene cleanings, and taught the citizens
proper dental hygiene habits.
O I have a hard work ethic and am very determined to learn as
much as I can.
O I have been an Enhanced LIFE Scholarship Recipient since
2012
O I am a member of Eta Sigma Gamma, Alpha Epsilon Delta,
Sigma Alpha Lambda, and Mortar Board honor societies
O I have been a member of the honor roll during my entire
career at Clemson-- Dean’s List (Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring
2014) and the President’s List (Spring 2013, Fall 2014, Spring
2015)

9. Relevant Coursework
O Principles of Biology
O Intro to Public Health
O Health Care Systems
O Human Anatomy and
Physiology
O Human Health and
Disease
O Epidemiology
O Chemistry
O Statistical Inference
O Genetics
O Human Sexual
Behavior
O Responding to
Emergencies
O Determinants of
Health Behavior
O Physics
An “A” was earned in all of the above
courses

10. O*NET Profiler Results
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
My Interest Results
My Interest
Results
Top 3
1. Social – Like
working with others
to help them learn
and grow.
2. Enterprising – Like
work that has to do
with starting up and
carrying out
business projects
3. Investigative - Like
work that has to do
with ideas and
thinking rather than
physical activity or
leading people

11. O*NET Profiler Interpretation
O I would strongly agree with the results the O*NET profiler
compiled.
1) Social: I enjoy teaching, giving advice, and
helping/being of service to others.
a) Ex: I have been on two dental mission trips to Central
American countries where I taught the citizens of Nicaragua
and Guatemala proper dental hygiene.
2) Enterprising: I enjoy persuading and leading people,
making decisions, and taking risks for profits
a) Ex: I am the manager of the Clemson Men’s Soccer team.
Although this has nothing to do with the science field, I
believe by me taking this “risk” by working in different
situations, I will profit in terms of experience and being
unique from those that apply to dental school
3) Investigative: I enjoy searching for facts and figuring out
problems
a) Ex: As a member of the Clemson Dental club, we partner
with various local dentists to complete activities relating to
different dental subjects

12. Dental Schools of Interest
O Texas A&M University Baylor College of
Dentistry
-Dallas, TX
GPA: 3.57
DAT Average: 21
Entering Class: 104 total (10 out of state)
Application Deadline: September 30
Tuition (per year): $64,840
Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
Office of Recruitment and Admissions
3302 Gaston Ave., Room 525
Dallas, Texas 75246-2013

13. Dental Schools of Interest
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
-Chapel Hill, NC
GPA: 3.66
DAT Average: 20
Entering Class: 82 total (13 out of state)
Application Deadline: September 30
Tuition (per year): $75,807
DDS Admissions
UNC School of Dentistry, CB #7450
1611 Koury Oral Health Sciences Building
Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-7450

14. Conclusion
O Overall, dentistry is a rapidly growing
field and the demand for dentists is high.
This profession can be very rewarding
for many reasons but many sacrifices
have to be made before one can begin a
career as a dentist. When choosing a
career/career path to follow, each of the
previous slides must be thought out
thoroughly and carefully in order to make
a career decision.

15. References
O http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-1
O http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-history-and-presidents-of-the-
ada/ada-history-of-dentistry-timeline
O http://www.centreoms.com/admin/storage/news/ADA%20Definition%20
of%20OMS%20and%20Dentisry.pdf
O https://www.dentistry.unc.edu/academicprograms/dds/
O http://www.tambcd.edu/admissions/ddsadmissions.html
O http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=h&iid=305&ai
d=1256
O http://www.adea.org/GoDental/Prehealth_Advisors/History_of_Dentistry.
aspx