Dentist performing procedure

About the Dentistry Pre-Professional Program

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Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s teeth, gums, and parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. Studying dentistry is great training for careers in general practice, orthodontics, periodontics, oral or maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology. Majoring in Pre-Dentistry at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will prepare you for higher education in the field.

Program Information Guide

Responsibilities of a dentist:

  • Removes decay from teeth and fills cavities
  • Straightens teeth to correct bite issues
  • Places sealants or whitening agents on teeth
  • Repairs cracked or fractured teeth and removes teeth
  • Gives anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures
  • Writes prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications
  • Examines X-rays of teeth, gums, the jaw and nearby areas for problems
  • Teaches patients about dental care like diet, flossing or use of fluoride
  • Makes models and measurements for dental appliances such as dentures

Average Salary: $158,120 per year

19% Projected Employment Growth

from 2016 to 2026 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

PLACEMENT IN CLINICAL PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Data based on cumulative placement data for the last 3 years

72% Accepted

72%
Accepted

Kole Kugler

“I can honestly say that UNK provided me with exactly what I was looking for. The majority of my classes were in that 25-to 30-student range and most of my instructors knew me by name, which made my educational experience a very personable one. The class size and student-to-faculty ratio was a big deciding factor for me because I did not want to get lost in the shuffle.”

Kole Kugler

Meadowlark Dental Associates, Kearney, NE