Skip to Main Content
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Dentists begin gaining experience while in a dental education program by serving an internship or residency. Manual dexterity and scientific ability are important, as are steady hands, good spatial judgment, and some artistic ability. Good vision is required because of the detailed work dentists do. Interpersonal and strong communication skills are important when working with patients and other dental staff and professionals. Dentists who operate their own practices must have good business management skills. Other important traits include patience and strong organizational skills. Dentists who operate their own practices need top-notch business management and marketing skills.

Related Professions