General dentist

A general dentist diagnoses and treats conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth, serving as most people's primary oral health provider. Day to day they examine patients, take and read X-rays, fill cavities, perform cleanings and extractions, fit crowns and bridges, and counsel patients on hygiene and prevention, referring complex cases to specialists.

The work combines fine manual dexterity, clinical judgment, and patient communication, often in a small private practice the dentist also runs as a business. It suits people who want hands-on procedural medicine with steady patient relationships and the precision of working in a confined, high-stakes space.