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The Air Force has a tremendous variety of career fields available to officers —each with unique challenges and rewards. If you know exactly what you're looking for, use the keyword search for a list of job titles and descriptions. Or, if you're interested in seeing what the Air Force has to offer, browse the different career fields in the pull-down menu.
Dentist
Duties and Responsibilities
Dentists examine patients and interpret radiographs and diagnostic tests to determine the type and extent of dental diseases, disabilities or dysfunctions. They evaluate their findings and prescribe type, extent and order of treatment, referring nondental problems to appropriate medical specialty.
Dentists restore the health and function of carious, fractured or otherwise defective teeth, and perform routine preventative, periodontal, oral surgery, endodontic and prosthodontic treatment. They also determine resource requirements for dental clinics and laboratories and provide consultation services.
Civilian Opportunities
Civilian Dentist
Duties and Responsibilities
Civilian dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat teeth and tissue problems. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine X rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care, as well. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.
Dentists use a variety of equipment, including X-ray machines, drills, and instruments such as mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They also wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.
Dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping, and buying equipment and supplies. They may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.
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