The dental profession can be broken down into two key components: what specific field of dentistry the dentist practices and how he or she practices that type of dentistry. 

Once you complete four years of dental school, you will be trained to enter the profession of dentistry as a general dentist. General dentists use their oral diagnostic, predictive, surgical and rehabilitative skills to restore damaged or missing tooth structures or to treat diseases of the bone or soft tissue in the mouth. General dentistry allows you to practice all aspects of dentistry in one setting. Many general dentists find their careers rewarding and fulfilling. 

After graduation from dental school, you can either begin practicing as a general dentist in a number of practice settings or you can go on to explore one of nine dental specialties. It is important to research your options before you graduate dental school so you are informed about what direction you will pursue.