General dentists at Diamond Braces must possess a well-rounded clinical and interpersonal skill set, combining diagnostic expertise with strong communication and leadership. These skills are critical for delivering high-quality dental care, fostering patient trust, and leading efficient, collaborative clinical teams.

Core Skills for General Dentists include:

• Clinical: Diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health issues with precision and confidence.
  
• Treatment: Create and communicate customized care plans based on patient needs and goals.
  
• Leadership: Guide dental assistants and hygienists to ensure cohesive, high-quality care delivery.
  
• Technology: Utilize digital X-rays, intraoral scanners, and practice management software effectively.
  
• Detail: Maintain accuracy in diagnostics, treatment execution, and patient records.
  
• Time: Manage patient flow efficiently without compromising clinical excellence.
  
• Communication: Explain procedures clearly, ease patient anxiety, and build lasting relationships.

To become a general dentist, you must complete a comprehensive educational path that includes academic coursework, clinical rotations, and licensure exams. The process is rigorous and designed to ensure dentists meet the highest standards in diagnosis, treatment, and patient safety. Graduating from an accredited dental school opens the door to licensure, professional growth, and long-term career opportunities at practices like Diamond Braces.

Education and Certification Pathway for General Dentists:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree with required science prerequisites.
  
• Graduate from an accredited dental school with a DDS or DMD degree.
  
• Pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE or INBDE).
  
• Obtain a state dental license to practice general dentistry.
  
• Complete any additional clinical board exams required by state.
  
• Continuing education and certifications in advanced procedures and dental technologies.

Choosing the right dental school is essential for launching a successful and fulfilling career in general dentistry. The best programs offer a rigorous balance of academic instruction and hands-on clinical training, often in affiliation with hospitals or advanced dental centers. Many also provide mentorship, research opportunities, and preparation for licensure exams.

Top Dental Schools in the Tri-State Area:

• Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York, NY)
  
• NYU College of Dentistry (New York, NY)
  
• Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (Newark, NJ)
  
• Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine (Stony Brook, NY)
  
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
  
• Touro College of Dental Medicine (Valhalla, NY)
  
• Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry (Philadelphia, PA)

When comparing programs, prioritize CODA accreditation, board exam pass rates, clinical exposure, and postgraduate placement support. These factors significantly impact your readiness for practice and long-term career success as a general dentist.

Becoming a general dentist requires completion of a rigorous, CODA-accredited academic program that combines foundational science education with hands-on clinical training. Dental programs typically last four years and focus on oral diagnosis, treatment planning, restorative procedures, surgical techniques, and patient-centered communication. Students gain direct experience in comprehensive care settings while learning to manage diverse cases across all age groups and complexity levels.

Core Areas of Training:

• Oral Anatomy & Physiology: In-depth study of teeth, jaws, musculature, and oral tissues.
  
• Restorative Dentistry: Techniques for fillings, crowns, bridges, and full-mouth rehabilitation.
  
• Oral Surgery & Anesthesia: Tooth extractions, suturing, and pain management procedures.
  
• Radiology & Diagnostics: Use of intraoral imaging, panoramic scans, and digital diagnostic tools.
  
• Treatment Planning: Case assessments that integrate clinical, radiographic, and patient history data.
  
• Pediatric & Geriatric Care: Delivering age-appropriate care for a range of patient needs.
  
• Practice Management: Training in scheduling, billing, risk management, and clinical efficiency.
  
• Ethics & Professionalism: Emphasis on legal responsibilities, informed consent, and patient trust.

The estimated average salary for a General Dentist at Diamond Braces is $175,000 per year, or approximately $84 per hour, with some professionals earning up to $220,000 annually (90th percentile). The typical pay range is between $140,000 (25th percentile) and $195,000 (75th percentile) annually. This data is based on 180 salary submissions by Diamond Braces general dentistry professionals on Glassdoor, as of July 2025.

General dentists at Diamond Braces typically work full-time schedules, generally between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with some locations offering occasional Saturday hours depending on patient volume. Dentists may rotate between two to three Diamond Braces offices, collaborating with orthodontists, hygienists, assistants, and treatment coordinators to deliver comprehensive care.

The clinical environment is fast-paced and high-volume, supported by advanced technology such as digital radiography, iTero scanning, and electronic health records. Each location adheres to standardized clinical protocols to ensure consistency in diagnosis, treatment quality, and patient satisfaction across the entire practice network.