Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat issues related to the teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They perform routine examinations, fill cavities, extract teeth, and address oral diseases. Some dentists specialize in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Most dentists work in private practice, while others are employed in hospitals, research institutions, public health agencies, or academic settings. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and may use advanced technologies such as digital imaging and laser dentistry. Licensing is required in all states, typically involving a dental degree and passing national and state exams.