| The profession of dentistry seeks to prevent oral disease, to restore and maintain oral health, and to promote the optimum health and functioning (or "wellness") in
all segments of the population. The diseases, injuries, and malformations of structures associated with the mouth, teeth, and jaws constitute a major challenge to
health care. To the patient, the dentist is the guardian of health in this region. Such public trust requires knowledge and skills based upon broad scientific study and
training, pursued with high scholastic competence. The public recognizes the profession of dentistry to be one characterized by high ethical standards and values that
promote integrity. As a result of these attributes, collectively labeled "professionalism,'' dentists are valued members of their communities.
Careers within the profession of dentistry are widely diversified, providing many opportunities for challenging and rewarding service. Examples of these varied
opportunities include general practice, the clinical specialties (endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral pathology, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics,
prosthodontics), public health, biomedical research, dental education, and government and military service careers. Graduates of the School of Dentistry are located in every
state and in many foreign countries.
To the person who is looking forward to entering a learned profession and who especially desires to be associated with some phase of health care, dentistry should have strong
appeal. It offers a life and livelihood that assure the industrious and purposeful practitioner an unusual opportunity for public and community service and for financial reward.
Dentists consistently rank in the top seven percent of wage-earners in the world.
Dental graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination and to enter practice almost immediately upon graduation. Thirty-six percent of recent graduates entered private
practice immediately after licensure. Thirty-six percent of recent graduates pursued additional advanced education immediately after graduation. Twelve percent of graduates in
the Class of 1996 began service as commissioned officers in the military dental corps. Other graduates seek employment opportunities within existing practices, in clinics, or in
dental education for a defined period of time. After five years, the majority of graduates are in private practices as general dentists or specialists.
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