Dental careers are pretty much all science, but they can be math careers, too! Find out how dental student Isabella Mejia uses math learning how to become a dentist.

How do you use math in dental school?

“We use math to calculate cardiac output, pH levels in the oral cavity, nitrous oxide levels for analgesic purposes, water to powder ratios for dental materials, dosage for medications, and much more!”

Isabella Mejia – Dallas, Texas
Dental Student, Baylor College of Dentistry

What is a dentist?

Ah, the soothing music, fluorescent lights, magazines and smell of mouthwash. Welcome to the dentist’s office! You know where dentists work, but do you realize all that they do? No, they don’t just scare little kids. Dentists help keep you healthy. Dental problems are a road to illness and disease, which is why dentists examine teeth, mouths and gums, fill cavities and treat problems right away. Broken tooth? Bleeding gums? Dentists have all that covered, too.

How much education do you need?

Most dentist careers require a master’s degree or Ph.D., M.D. or J.D. (law degree).

Does this career fit your personality type?

This career is great for investigative, realistic and social types.

SKILLS YOU NEED

Brain Power Practice using your noodle! Dentists need to solve tricky dental problems and continually learn about the latest dental techniques. Doing Good Helping others is an important part of being a dentist, even if little kids are scared off! Clean teeth means healthy people. Science From examining teeth and gums to administering anesthetic before a root canal, dentists need a thorough understanding of their science. Time Mastery It’s a busy day in the dentist’s office! With many appointments to keep, dentists have to stay right on schedule. Creativity Dentists need creativity to solve dental problems and give their patients new ways to practice good dental care. Leadership Dentists are also teachers. They need to know how to educate and influence people to keep their teeth healthy! Teamwork Dentists work with a team of knowledgeable dental hygienists, orthodontists and assistants to give patients the care they need. Writing Good writing skills are essential to communicating well with your peers and documenting dental procedures. Math From developing treatment plans to writing prescriptions, dentists work with math throughout their career.

Instructions

Find one more fact about this career and share it in the response box.

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