Dentist

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They provide preventive care, perform restorative procedures, and promote oral hygiene. Some operate private practices, while others work in group clinics or specialty areas.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $179,210/year ($86.16/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): +5% (as fast as average)

  • Typical Education: Doctoral or professional degree (DDS or DMD)

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Associate Dentist, General Dentist, Dental Resident

  • Education: DDS or DMD degree from an accredited program

  • Experience: None required; completion of clinical training during dental school

  • Licensure (Mandatory): National Board Dental Exam + State/Regional Clinical Exam

  • Core Duties:

    • Perform checkups, cleanings, and basic procedures (e.g., fillings, crowns)

    • Educate patients on oral health and hygiene

    • Take and interpret x-rays

    • Collaborate with dental hygienists and assistants

  • Salary Range: $100,000–$160,000

MID LEVEL

  • Job Titles: General Practitioner, Pediatric Dentist, Endodontist (with residency), Orthodontist (with residency)

  • Education: DDS or DMD + 2–4 year residency for specialty

  • Licensure (Specialty): Specialty license and board certification if required

  • Core Duties:

    • Perform specialized procedures (root canals, orthodontics, pediatric care)

    • Supervise assistants and hygienists

    • Manage patient records, case planning, and consultations

    • Engage in continuing education

  • Salary Range: $160,000–$225,000

SENIOR LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Lead Dentist, Practice Owner, Oral Surgeon, Dental Director, Dental Faculty

  • Education: DDS/DMD + Residency (4–6 years for surgeons); optional MBA or academic training

  • Experience: 6+ years with leadership or business acumen

  • Certifications (Preferred): Board-certified specialist or postdoctoral fellow

  • Core Duties:

    • Oversee clinical operations or own dental practice

    • Mentor younger dentists or teach at dental schools

    • Perform advanced surgery or complex patient cases

    • Manage staff, marketing, and finance

  • Salary Range: $225,000–$300,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree + DDS or DMD

  • Training: Clinical rotations, board exams, and optional residencies

  • Licensure: Required in all states (written + clinical)

  • Soft Skills: Dexterity, communication, patience, leadership, and attention to detail

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Tooth restoration and extraction

  • Periodontal treatment

  • Radiography interpretation

  • Patient consultation and sedation techniques

  • Billing, insurance, and compliance

Tools & Technology:

  • Hand instruments (scalers, forceps, mirrors)

  • Dental lasers and 3D imaging tools

  • CAD/CAM systems for dental restorations

  • Intraoral cameras and digital x-rays

  • EHR software and dental practice management systems

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Locations: Dental offices, outpatient centers, universities, hospitals

  • Schedules: Full-time or part-time; some evenings/weekends

  • Risks: Exposure to infections, radiation, and need for safety gear

  • Work Style: Client-focused, steady hand-eye coordination, team-based

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Demand Drivers:

    • Aging population and dental retention

    • Cosmetic and preventative procedures

    • Shortage of specialists in rural/underserved areas

  • Annual Openings: ~4,900 through 2033

  • Growth Opportunities:

    • Start or acquire a private practice

    • Specialize in high-demand fields (e.g., oral surgery, orthodontics)

    • Join hospital or academic leadership

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Dental Hygienist | Salary: $94,260 | Education Level: Associate’s degree

  • Role: Orthodontist | Salary: $239,200+ | Education Level: Doctoral + residency

  • Role: Oral Surgeon | Salary: $239,200+ | Education Level: Doctoral + 4–6 year residency

  • Role: Medical Scientist | Salary: $100,590 | Education Level: Doctoral degree

  • Role: Optometrist | Salary: $134,830 | Education Level: Doctoral degree

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Associations:

  • American Dental Association (ADA)

  • Dental Admission Test (DAT)

  • American Dental Education Association (ADEA)

  • Dental Specialties Boards (e.g., AAOMS, AAPD, AAO)

Books:

  • Dental Secrets by Stephen T. Sonis

  • Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics by Rosenstiel

  • Color Atlas of Dental Medicine

Videos & Channels:

  • YouTube: "Dentistry Made Easy" series

  • Dr. Matt Nejad (Cosmetic Dentistry)

  • Smile Dental Academy channel

Online Courses & Platforms:

  • Coursera: Dental School Preparation Courses

  • Khan Academy: Oral Health & Anatomy

  • Spear Education: Continuing Dental Education

Communities:

  • Reddit: r/Dentistry and r/DentalSchool

  • Student Doctor Network (dentistry forums)

  • ADA Connect

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

Suggested Citation:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dentists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm (visited July 2025)

Keandra Wilson
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