Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, including problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They also educate patients on maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent future issues.

What is a typical day in Dentistry? 

– Examining patients and diagnosing dental conditions such as cavities or gum disease 

– Performing procedures like fillings, root canals, and extractions 

– Educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices 

– Managing dental records and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

What else might they be expected to do? 

– Design and place dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures 

– Perform cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers 

– Refer patients to specialists, such as oral surgeons or orthodontists, when needed 

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

– A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), typically taking five years. 

– A one-year internship in a clinical setting. 

– Licensing by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council or equivalent regulatory body. 

Mandatory Subject Requirements at O-Level / A-Level? 

– Due to competitive nature, excellent scores in the Sciences, Mathematics and a language. 

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

– Detail-oriented and empathetic individuals with excellent manual dexterity excel in this role. 

– Enterprising: A lot of Dentists tend to move to private practice and this requires the ability to run and market your services. 

– Big 5 traits: Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. 

– Myers-Briggs types: ISTJ or ISFJ often align with this career. 

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? 

– Interest in anatomy, healthcare, and aesthetics (Investigative and Realistic traits). 

– Passion for helping others improve their health and confidence. 

– Interests & Aptitude: Investigative (I), Realistic (R), and Social (S) 

Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required? 

– Strong attention to detail for performing precise procedures 

– Manual dexterity for working with dental instruments 

– Interpersonal skills to build trust with patients 

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

– Managing patient anxiety or fear of dental procedures 

– Working long hours, often standing or in uncomfortable positions 

– Keeping up with new dental technologies and treatment methods 

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen? 

– Kenya and Africa: High demand for dentists as oral health awareness grows. Opportunities exist in private practices, public health, and teaching. 

– International: Dentists are in demand globally, especially in countries with established healthcare systems. Kenyan dentists can qualify for international roles after meeting licensing requirements. 

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

– Build a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. 

– Gain practical experience through clinical placements or internships. 

– Develop excellent communication and patient care skills. 

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

– Specialist Dentist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist) 

– Public Health Administrator 

– Academic or Clinical Researcher 

– Cosmetic Dentist 

– Dental Practice Owner