Jackie Kwapisz Hour 1 1/20/11 Career Tech Foundations The Life of a Dentist Jackie Kwapisz Hour 1 1/20/11 Career Tech Foundations

Introduction 78 percent of Americans have at least one cavity by age 17. Who is going to fill all those cavities and prevent further ones from occurring? That’s where I come in. I want to be a dentist and I will work as hard as I can to achieve that goal. I first got interested in the dental field when I went to the dentist office one day for a check up. I used to be scared of the dentist but then one day I realized something… Dentists are not there to hurt you, they are actually there to help. I really enjoyed learning that and something just clicked and then I decided I wanted to be a dentist. In order to explore my career I will need to research; working conditions; training, qualifications, advancements; job outlook/employment; earnings; and related occupations.

Nature of Work Give advice to prevent future problems Fill cavities Examine X-rays Straighten teeth (braces) Perform surgeries such as root canals Use x-ray machines Use drills, forceps and scalpels Make molds for dentures

Working Conditions Own their own businesses Indoor office environment Physical and mental 4-5 days a week (about 40 hours a week) Small staff

Training, Qualifications, Advancement Bachelor's degree At least 2 years of college to enter dental school Dental school = 4 years University of Michigan School of Dentistry High school courses in: Dentist program at Lake Shore, biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics

Job Outlook/ Employment Faster than average growth rate Demand will increase 16% by 2018 New technology = more work Good job prospects Younger dentists - take over work of retired dentists Competition = keen (dental school) Hopefully career openings in Florida most graduates- buy established practices immediately Own my own office

Earnings Lifestyle goals: Earn enough money to support myself and my family Own my own apartment or house Own a decent car (2004 Ford Escape) Money: This career fits my lifestyle goals  $58,790 - $161,020 Earnings vary Self employed dentists make more than salaried dentists First purchase: Apartment in Florida

Related Occupations Pediatrician Specialize in diagnosis's Care for health of infants-young adults concentrate on treatments Track patients growth Treat day to day illnesses Take care of minor injuries Treat diseases and immunizations 8-12 hours a day 5 days a week Average yearly salary about $186,044

Summary The thing that I look forward to the most is owning my own office and being my own boss. The thing that I look forward to the least is causing pain to patients. I want to work with children and be a pediatric dentist but it will be make me sad when I have to do painful procedures on them, even though it’s for the best. Overall, I have learned a lot throughout this project and I definitely am sure that I want to be a dentist.

Works Cited http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072. htm http://starsmilez.com/blog/more -fun-dental-facts/