Dentistry
Diagnose and treat issues with teeth and oral health
What You'll Study
Dentistry is a specialized medical field focused on the mouth. It combines medical knowledge with manual dexterity (it's like intricate surgery every day). Dentists prevent cavities, fix teeth, and design smiles.
- Oral Anatomy
- Dental Materials
- Pharmacology
- Radiology (X-Rays)
- Periodontics (Gums)
- Orthodontics Basics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Practice Management
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You have excellent hand-eye coordination
- ✓You are detail-oriented and artistic
- ✓You want to be a doctor but with better hours (usually 9-5)
- ✓You want to run your own business (private practice)
- ✓You want a high income
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You have shaky hands
- ✕You are squeamish about bad breath/blood
- ✕You dislike repetitive physical work
- ✕You have back problems (dentistry is physical)
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Do you like working with small tools?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Other Common Career Paths
- •Dentist
- •Orthodontist
- •Oral Surgeon
- •Dental Researcher
- •Public Health Dentist
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Carve a bar of soap into a specific tooth shape using a knife.
Shadow a local dentist for a day.
Research "Digital Dentistry" and how 3D printing is used.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
School is just as hard, but the lifestyle after is usually better (no night shifts).
You get used to it. It is clean, sterile, and controlled.
Yes, dental school is very expensive, but income is high.
Yes! Rebuilding a tooth takes an artistic eye.
Yes, into Orthodontics (Braces), Surgery, Kids, etc.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Dentistry is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.