We surveyed 1,558 dentists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical dentist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a dentist?
Low
High
Working as a dentist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that dentists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a dentist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a dentist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a dentist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a dentist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for dentists.
Do dentists work full-time or part-time?
74% of dentists work in full-time roles while 26% work part-time.
Is being a dentist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst dentists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a dentist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a dentist.
How competitive is the workplace for dentists?
Low
High
Dentists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a dentist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Dentists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are dentists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Dentists are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do dentists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Dentists have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a dentist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a dentist requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are dentists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, dentists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a dentist require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for dentists.
Does being a good dentist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a dentist.