Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Contrary to popular notions, dentists engage in far more than the limited concept of "treating teeth." The care dentists give contributes to the quality of their patients' lives by preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease, malocclusion and oral-facial anomalies. Furthermore, dentists are instrumental in early detection of oral cancer and systemic infectious conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth.
Although most dental schools require a minimum of three years of pre-dental course work, 85 percent of entering dental students have completed four years of college and 75 percent have completed at least a baccalaureate degree. It is wise to work toward a degree in any area which would serve as an attractive alternative in the event you were deterred from your goal in dentistry.