Definition of Occupation

A licensed health care professional who diagnoses and treats diseases and abnormalities of the teeth and tissues of the mouth, jaws and related structures, restores diseased and missing teeth and emphasizes proper oral hygiene and preventive practices. Some specialize in orthodontics (teeth straightening), prosthodontics (replacing missing teeth), periodontics (treatment of gum disorders), pediatric dentistry (dental care for infants and children through adolescence), endodontics (root canals), oral and maxillofacial pathology (diseases of the mouth and oral-facial region), oral and maxillofacial surgery (diagnosis, surgery and treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the oral region) or public health dentistry (dentistry in a community clinic or with the federal government) or oral and maxillofacial radiology (dentistry that involves x-rays to diagnose disease). May pursue careers in public health service, military, insurance industry, academia or research.