Becoming a cosmetic dentist requires a significant amount of education and training. To work as an aesthetic dentist, you must attend an accredited dentistry program and earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D. M. D.) degree.
This typically takes four years to complete, and during this time you will learn about topics such as anesthesia, oral pathology, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery. After graduating from dental school, you may need to attend additional years of study to specialize in cosmetic services. When applying to dental schools, you can expect to submit your university transcript, your DAT scores, a personal essay, proof of 100 hours of work as a follow-up in a dental setting, and recommendation letters from qualified contacts. It is also important to maintain a high GPA throughout your studies. Once you become a cosmetic dentist, you can spend most of your day in the office. You will examine patients' mouths for areas to correct, diagnose dental problems, advise patients on proper oral hygiene and strategies for home cosmetic care, and perform treatments and surgeries.
You may also be able to find work in a general dental office while specializing in cosmetic procedures such as whitening, veneers, and implants. Dental implants are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. This involves placing a titanium post (an artificial root) in the jaw to function as a dental root. Dental fillings can also fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth. A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dental procedures. This may include dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is perhaps one of the most recommended cosmetic dental procedures. It involves using bleaching agents to lighten the color of teeth. Dental bonding is another form of cosmetic dentistry that is often performed without the use of an anesthetic (except for a filling procedure). An enamel-like dental composite material is applied to the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and polished. Cosmetic dentists tend to work independently, although they do collaborate with dental hygienists and orthodontists. According to the BLS, due to an aging population, there may be an increase in demand for services such as dental implants and bridges.
