Dentist

Your Fit

Income

$173K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Dentist?

A Dentist is a healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. They provide care for teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth, ensuring overall oral health.

Sample job titles:

Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Dentist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Dentist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$84K per year	$126K per year	$173K per year	$220K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $123K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Dentist do?

Work environment

Dentists typically work in private dental offices, with some working in hospitals and clinics. The environment is clean and well-lit, with dentists spending much of their time on their feet. They work closely with dental assistants, hygienists, and other office staff. Dentists often have full-time schedules, although some may work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients.

Quick task list

Diagnoses oral diseases and conditions.
Creates treatment plans for patients' oral health issues.
Performs dental procedures, such as extractions, fillings, and root canals.
Prescribes medications for dental problems.
Oversees the administration of dental care, including cleanings and preventive measures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Orthodontics: Specializing in alignment of teeth and jaws.
Pediatric Dentistry: Focusing on dental care for children and adolescents.
Periodontics: Treating gum diseases and conditions.
Endodontics: Specializing in root canal therapy and diseases of the dental pulp.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Performing surgeries on the mouth, jaws, and face.

Description

Dentistry is a vital part of healthcare, focusing on oral health which can impact overall health. Dentists use a variety of tools and technologies to examine and treat teeth and mouth tissues. They must stay updated with the latest dental practices and technologies, such as digital radiography and laser treatments.

This profession requires excellent communication skills, as dentists need to explain procedures and treatment plans to patients clearly. They also need good manual dexterity and a precise attention to detail for intricate dental procedures. Dentists must be able to manage their practice, which includes overseeing staff, maintaining patient records, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

The career is demanding but offers the satisfaction of providing essential health services. Dentists have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with their patients and make a significant impact on their oral and overall health. Additionally, they can enjoy a degree of flexibility in their schedules, especially if they run their own practice.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Improving patients' oral health and overall well-being.
Being a respected member of the community.
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
The potential for good income and a stable career.

You might make a good Dentist if you are...

Detail-oriented with excellent hand-eye coordination.
Passionate about healthcare and helping others.
A strong communicator, able to put patients at ease.
Interested in science, particularly biology and anatomy.
Capable of running a business and managing a team.

Pros:

Rewarding work in improving patients' health.
High earning potential.
Opportunities for self-employment and flexible working hours.

Cons:

Lengthy and expensive educational pathway.
Physically demanding, with long hours spent standing.
Potential for work-related stress, dealing with anxious patients.

How to become a Dentist

Typical education

Becoming a dentist requires a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, which usually involves 4 years of postgraduate education after completing a bachelor's degree. Additionally, dentists must be licensed to practice, which requires passing written and clinical exams.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to lay a foundation for dental studies.
Mathematics, especially statistics and calculus.
Health Education to understand basic health and hygiene principles.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or community health events.
Joining science clubs or participating in science fairs.
Shadowing a dentist or interning at a dental office.

Preparation after high school

Complete a bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field.
Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to apply for dental school.
Earn a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school.
Gain experience through internships or residency programs in specialized fields.

More resources

American Dental Association (ADA) - Offers resources for dental professionals and students.
Dental Admissions Test (DAT) - Information on the DAT.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) - Provides information on dental education and careers.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) - Lists accredited dental education programs.
National Dental Association (NDA) - Represents the interests of minority dentists and promotes oral health equity.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.