dentistry

David F. Murchison, DDS, MMS

Clinical Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas A&M with 30 years of active-duty practice.

Prosthodontics

A dental specialty that focuses on the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth.

Current demand for dentists in the U.S.

There are between 160,000 and 170,000 active dentists.

Decline in dental demographics

A significant decrease in the number of practicing dentists during the 1980s and 1990s.

Dentists in Texas

Texas has approximately 7,500 to 8,000 dentists.

Private practice

About 60% of dentists work in private practice.

Gender distribution in dentistry

Approximately 80% of dentists are male, while 53% of the 2023 entering class at Texas dental schools is female.

Dental school training duration

Dental school involves 4 years of intensive clinical and didactic training.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Specialists who complete 6-year programs, combining dental and medical training.

Aesthetic dentistry

Dentistry focused on improving the appearance of teeth, including procedures like teeth bleaching, veneers, and crowns.

Functional health impact of dentists

Dentists improve oral function related to chewing and speaking.

Invisalign

A clear aligner used by orthodontists to straighten teeth.

Mouthguards

Devices that protect teeth from injury during sports activities.

Cleft lip and palate treatment team

A multidisciplinary team including pediatricians, orthodontists, and surgeons involved in the care of patients.

Prosthetic creation in dentistry

Dentists create prosthetic ears, noses, and facial features for cancer patients.

Competition for dental school admissions in Texas

There are more medical schools than dental schools leading to higher competition.

Salary range for dentists

Dentists earn between $105,000 and $146,000.

Advanced technologies in dentistry

Technologies that allow dentists to digitize impressions for precise dental work.

New dental school openings

New dental schools are opening in Little Rock and Kentucky by 2026-2027.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

A standardized test used in the admissions process for dental schools.

Orthodontics

A branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment.

Pediatric Dentistry

Specialty focused on dental care specifically for children.

Military Dentistry

Includes Army, Navy, and Air Force branches focusing on dental care in military settings.

Battlefield acupuncture

A technique used in military dentistry for pain management.

Overall health connection

Dentists assess the oral cavity's impact on overall health, including chewing and speaking.

Texas dental school admission demographics

90% of dental school spots in Texas are filled by residents of Texas.

Prerequisites for dental school

Prerequisites usually include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, along with a bachelor's degree.

Education length for dentists

Typically, it requires 8 years of education: 4 years for a bachelor's degree and 4 years for dental school.

Outlook for dental profession

The outlook is generally positive due to a steady demand for dental services.

Work-life balance in dentistry

Dentists often have flexible schedules, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic.

Postgraduate residency options

After dental school, graduates may choose to complete a residency in a specialty, lasting an additional 1 to 6 years.

Continuing education requirements

Dentists must complete ongoing education to maintain licensure and keep up with advancements in the field.