63A General Dentist

Core Skills

• clinical assessment and diagnosis
• treatment planning
• procedural precision and fine motor skills
• patient communication and education
• documentation and recordkeeping
• infection control and safety
• case management and follow-up
• interdisciplinary collaboration
• use of digital imaging and records

Civilian Career Paths

• Dental
• Public Health
• Project Management

Training & Development

What the Work Involves

• Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
• Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
• Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
• Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: graduate-level education or extensive experience.