Dentists

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.

Duties

Dentists typically do the following:

• Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities
• Repair or remove damaged teeth
• Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth
• Administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures
• Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
• Examine x rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas in order to diagnose problems
• Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures
• Teach patients about diets, flossing, the use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care

Dentists use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They also use lasers, digital scanners, and other technologies.

In addition, dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and buying equipment and supplies. They employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.

Most dentists are general practitioners and handle a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in a specialty area, such as one of the following:

Dental anesthesiologists administer drugs (anesthetics) to reduce or eliminate pain during a dental procedure, monitor sedated patients to keep them safe, and help patients manage pain afterward.

Dental public health specialists promote good dental health and the prevention of dental diseases in specific communities.

Endodontists perform root canal therapy, removing the nerves and blood supply from injured or infected teeth.

Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck, and head, performing procedures such as surgically repairing a cleft lip and palate or removing impacted teeth.

Oral pathologists diagnose conditions in the mouth, such as bumps or ulcers, and oral diseases, such as cancer.

Orthodontists straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or other appliances.

Pediatric dentists focus on dentistry for children and special-needs patients.

Periodontists treat the gums and bones supporting the teeth.

Dentists also may do research. Or, they may teach part time, including supervising students in dental school clinics. For more information, see the profiles on medical scientists and postsecondary teachers.

Dentists held about 155,000 jobs in 2018. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up dentists was distributed as follows:

Dentists, general	136,900
Orthodontists	6,500
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons	5,900
Dentists, all other specialists	5,200
Prosthodontists	500

The largest employers of dentists were as follows:

Offices of dentists	74%
Self-employed workers	16
Government	3
Offices of physicians	2
Outpatient care centers	2

Some dentists have their own business and work alone or with a small staff. Other dentists have partners in their practice. Still others work as associate dentists for established dental practices.

Dentists wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.

Work Schedules

Dentists’ work schedules vary. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. Many dentists work less than 40 hours a week, although some work considerably more.

Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams. Dentists who practice in a specialty area must complete postdoctoral training.

Education

Dentists typically need a DDS or DMD degree from a dental program that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Most programs require that applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed certain science courses, such as biology or chemistry. Although no specific undergraduate major is required, programs may prefer applicants who major in a science, such as biology.

Applicants to dental schools usually take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Dental schools use this test along with other factors, such as grade point average, interviews, and recommendations, to admit students into their programs.

Dental school programs typically include coursework in subjects such as local anesthesia, anatomy, periodontics (the study of oral disease and health), and radiology. All programs at dental schools include clinical experience in which students work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

As early as high school, students interested in becoming dentists can take courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math.

Training

All dental specialties require dentists to complete additional training before practicing that specialty. This training is usually a 2- to 4-year residency in a CODA-accredited program related to the specialty, which often culminates in a postdoctoral certificate or master’s degree. Oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically take 4 to 6 years and may result in candidates earning a joint Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree.

General dentists do not need additional training after dental school.

Dentists who want to teach or do research full time may need advanced dental training, such as in a postdoctoral program in general dentistry.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. All states require dentists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. Most states require a dentist to have a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental program, pass the written National Board Dental Examinations, and pass a state or regional clinical examination.

In addition, a dentist who wants to practice in a dental specialty must have a license in that specialty. Licensure requires the completion of a residency after dental school and, in some cases, the completion of a special state exam.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Dentists must communicate effectively with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists.

Detail oriented. Dentists must pay attention to the shape and color of teeth and to the space between them. For example, they may need to closely match a false tooth with a patient’s other teeth.

Dexterity. Dentists must be good with their hands. They must work carefully with tools in small spaces to ensure the safety of their patients.

Leadership skills. Dentists, especially those with their own practices, may need to manage staff or mentor other dentists.

Organizational skills. Keeping accurate records of patient care is critical in both medical and business settings.

Patience. Dentists may work for long periods with patients who need special attention, including children and those with a fear of dental work.

Problem-solving skills. Dentists must evaluate patients’ symptoms and choose the appropriate treatment.

The median annual wage for dentists was $156,240 in May 2018.

The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.

Median annual wages for dentists in May 2018 were as follows:

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons	$208,000 or more
Orthodontists	208,000 or more
Prosthodontists	176,540
Dentists, general	151,850
Dentists, all other specialists	146,970

In May 2018, the median annual wages for dentists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Offices of dentists	$161,610
Outpatient care centers	146,530
Offices of physicians	146,110
Government	129,590

Wages vary with the dentist’s location, number of hours worked, specialty, and number of years in practice.

Dentists’ work schedules vary. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. Many dentists work less than 40 hours a week, although some may work considerably more.

Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for dental services will increase as the population ages. Many members of the aging baby-boom generation will need dental work. Because those in each generation are more likely to keep their teeth than those in past generations, more dental care will be needed in the years to come. In addition, there will be increased demand for complicated dental work, including dental implants and bridges. The risk of oral cancer increases significantly with age, and complications can require both cosmetic and functional dental reconstruction.

Demand for dentists’ services will increase as studies continue to link oral health to overall health. They will need to provide care and instruction aimed at promoting good oral hygiene, rather than just providing treatments such as fillings.

Job Prospects

Job prospects for dentists are expected to be relatively good, especially for dentists who are willing to work in underserved areas. However, the number of graduates from dental programs has increased in recent years. And the rate at which these workers leave the occupation is expected to be lower than that for other occupations. Therefore, there may be competition for jobs, particularly in areas where there are already sufficient numbers of dentists.

Employment projections data for dentists, 2018-28

Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2018	Projected Employment, 2028	Change, 2018-28		Employment by Industry
				Percent	Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Dentists	29-1020	155,000	166,600	7	11,600	Get data
Dentists, general	29-1021	136,900	147,400	8	10,400	Get data
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons	29-1022	5,900	6,300	7	400	Get data
Orthodontists	29-1023	6,500	7,000	7	500	Get data
Prosthodontists	29-1024	500	500	7	0	Get data
Dentists, all other specialists	29-1029	5,200	5,400	5	200	Get data

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dentists.

	Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2018
	Chiropractors	Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.	Doctoral or professional degree	$71,410
	Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians	Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair medical appliances and devices.	High school diploma or equivalent	$36,690
	Dental Assistants	Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, recordkeeping and schedule appointments.	Postsecondary nondegree award	$38,660
	Dental Hygienists	Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care.	Associate’s degree	$74,820
	Medical Scientists	Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.	Doctoral or professional degree	$84,810
	Optometrists	Optometrists diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.	Doctoral or professional degree	$111,790
	Physicians and Surgeons	Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.	Doctoral or professional degree	This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year.
	Podiatrists	Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.	Doctoral or professional degree	$129,550
	Veterinarians	Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.	Doctoral or professional degree	$93,830

For more information about dentists, including information on accredited dental schools and state boards of dental examiners, visit

American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation

For information about admission to dental schools, visit

American Dental Education Association

For more information about general dentistry or on a specific dental specialty, visit

Academy of General Dentistry

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Academy of Periodontology

American Association of Endodontists

American Association of Orthodontists

American Association of Public Health Dentistry

American College of Prosthodontists

American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists

CareerOneStop

For career videos on dentists, visit

Dentists

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Orthodontists

Prosthodontists

O*NET

Dentists, All Other Specialists

Dentists, General

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Orthodontists

Prosthodontists