Career

In Social Studies, we are learning about different Careers. The career I chose is being a Dentist. I found it really interesting the more I research about it. I also wanted to do this career because I want to help people with their smile. 

FQ 1: What does my chosen Job entail? 

1. Provide a one paragraph written overview / summary of your job.

• Dentists study and treat diseases, injuries and problems of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw. They also educate patients on how to avoid oral health problems.

2. What are the working conditions like?

• Usually, work regular business hours, but may be required to do some evening and weekend work.

• Work in office and surgeries in places such as private practices, hospitals and community health centres.

3. What skills and knowledge are required for this career?

Dentists need to have knowledge of:

• how to assess and identify dental problems

• the structure and functions of the teeth, jaw and mouth

• the structure and function of the body, and general injuries and diseases of the body, especially the head and neck

• injuries and diseases of the mouth

• dental and oral health care methods, materials and medicines

• hygiene and sterilisation procedures

• first aid

4. What are the personal qualities that you require to do this job?

Dentists need to be:

• able to relate to a wide range of people

• accurate, with an eye for detail

• able to work well under pressure

• good at problem-solving and decision making

5. What are the key tasks that you will do in this job?

• examine the patient’s mouth, teeth, gums and jaw

• identify and treat diseased teeth and gums

• replace missing teeth with implants, bridges, or partial or full dentures

• improve the appearance of teeth with veneers, crowns, bleaching or braces

• advise patients on how to keep their teeth clean and prevent diseases

• refer patients to other dental specialists and health professionals

6. How much will you earn? Salary? And what are the work hours like?

Dentists with up to three years’ experience usually earn $65-$85k per year

Dentists with more than three years’ experience usually earn $85k-$186k

• Usually, work regular business hours, but may be required to do some evening and weekend work.

7. What training and education is required for this career? How long does the training take and cost?

Length of training: 5 years of training required. 

8. What pre-requisites are there to get into the training course?

To become a dentist you need to:

• complete the Health Scientist First Year at programme at Otago University

• complete a four-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree at Otago University

9. What subjects will you need to study in school to prepare you for this career?

• Maths, chemistry, physics, biology, health and English.

10. Add any interesting information about your chosen career that you may find

11. Add in an image / photo / picture that relates to your job

FQ 4: Evaluating your Job – the what and why you are interested in this career

1. Why do you think this job is important, what values does it promote?

• I think this job is important because with this job you are able to help people smile proudly. 

2. Why have you chosen this career to investigate?

• I’ve chosen this career because I was inspired to be one whenever I visit the dentist.

3. What qualities and skills do you already have that suit this career?

• good at problem-solving and decision making

• accurate, with an eye for detail

4. What qualities and skills do you need to develop for this career?

• able to relate to a wide range of people

5. The job market is competitive, what can you do now or in the near future to out-compete others for this job.

• To do my best and being

FQ 5: What were your sources of Information – bibliography
Include a bibliography which lists the details in full of the different sources of information used. If

you are unsure how to set out your bibliography, check the Library webpage.

Site 1: Careers

FQ 6: Reflecting on the Research Process

1. What worked / went well for you during the research?

• Answering questions about my job

2. What have you found challenging during the research?

• Answering some questions[It was hard for me to find an interview with a Dentist]

3. How did you try to overcome these challenges?

• I wasn’t able to overcome it because it was hard to find some information that I needed.

4. If you were to do this again what would you do differently and why?

• If I were to do this again, I don't think I would do anything differently.