Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Dentist
What dentists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review the schedule and X-rays with the team. From there, the day usually includes examine teeth, gums and mouth, take and read dental X-rays, and fill cavities and repair teeth. Most work full-time, often four or five days a week, with some evening or Saturday hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a dentist working full time.
- Review the schedule and X-rays with the team.
- Fill two cavities for a patient.
- Check a hygienist’s patient and do an exam.
- Prepare a tooth for a crown.
- Extract a broken tooth.
- Start a root canal.
- Review treatment plans and business reports.
Where dentists work
Dentists work in private offices, group practices, clinics, hospitals and public health programs.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, often four or five days a week, with some evening or Saturday hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Examine teeth, gums and mouth
- Take and read dental X-rays
- Fill cavities and repair teeth
- Place crowns, bridges and implants
- Extract teeth
- Treat gum disease and infections
- Teach preventive care
Tools you’ll use every day
- Dental handpieces
- Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras
- Dental instruments
- CAD/CAM crown systems
- Practice management software
- Curing lights
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Good work-life balance
- Practice ownership possible
- Steady demand
What’s hard
- Expensive, long education
- Physically demanding posture
- Running a business
- Anxious patients
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I have steady, skilled hands
- I love science
- I want to own a practice
- I’m good with nervous people
- I want a high-paying career
- I can commit to years of school
Not sure? Take the free Dentist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use infection control and PPE
- Follow radiation safety
- Handle sharps carefully
- Review medical history before treatment