### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			dentists imageDentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.							
						Quick Facts:     Dentists2023     Median Pay
            						$170,910     per year
										$82.17     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Doctoral or professional degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    155,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    4% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    6,800What Dentists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
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.
            
                                                How to Become a Dentist
                                                
                        
Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must graduate from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for dentists was $170,910 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of dentists is projected to grow							 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 5,100 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dentists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dentists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about dentists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Dentists Do 
            

			DentistsDentists remove tooth decay, fill cavities, and repair fractured teeth.			
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 careDentists 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.
 Work Environment
			DentistsDentists provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other areas of dental care.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Dentists held about 155,000 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up dentists was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Dentists, general
                136,700Orthodontists
                7,200Dentists, all other specialists
                5,800Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
                4,900Prosthodontists
                400The largest employers of dentists were as follows:
        Offices of dentists
                78%Self-employed workers
                11Government
                3Offices of physicians
                2Outpatient care centers
                2Some 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.
 How to Become a Dentist

			DentistsDentists must be licensed in all states; requirements vary by state.			
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 have a bachelor's degree 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 Examination, 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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                DentistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Dentists$170,910  Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners$98,760  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for dentists was $170,910 in May 2023. 


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 $82,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.

			
                    	Median annual wages for dentists in May 2023 were as follows:
        Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
		$239,200 or moreOrthodontists
		239,200 or moreProsthodontists
		234,000Dentists, all other specialists
		227,690Dentists, general
		166,300In May 2023, the median annual wages for dentists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Government
                $201,860Outpatient care centers
                172,700Offices of dentists
                170,860Offices of physicians
                167,130The median annual wage for dentists was $159,530 in May 2022. 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 $71,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.
Median annual wages for dentists in May 2022 were as follows:
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
$239,200 or moreDentists, all other specialists
212,740Orthodontists
174,360Dentists, general
155,040In May 2022, the median annual wages for dentists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Government
$190,400Outpatient care centers
166,170Offices of physicians
163,800Offices of dentists
159,530Wages 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.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                DentistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners9%  Dentists4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of dentists is projected to grow				 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 5,100 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for dentists is expected to increase as larger numbers of older people require dental services. Because each generation is more likely to keep their teeth than the previous generation, more dental care is expected to be needed in the years to come. In addition, dentists will be needed to treat dentofacial injuries and other conditions as well as to perform restorative procedures to treat complications from oral disease, such as gum disease and oral cancer. The growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry also is expected to support demand for dentists.
			

                        Employment projections data for     dentists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Dentists**
			29-1020
			155,000
			161,800
			4
			6,800
			Get data**Dentists, general**
			29-1021
			136,700
			142,700
			4
			6,000
			Get data**Oral and maxillofacial surgeons**
			29-1022
			4,900
			5,100
			5
			200
			Get data**Orthodontists**
			29-1023
			7,200
			7,500
			4
			300
			Get data**Prosthodontists**
			29-1024
			400
			500
			6
			0
			Get data**Dentists, all other specialists**
			29-1029
			5,800
			6,000
			3
			200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Dentists, all other specialists
					Dentists, general
					Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
					Orthodontists
					Prosthodontists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dentists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Chiropractors**
            Chiropractors evaluate and treat patients' neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $76,530**Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians**
            Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $44,640**Dental Assistants**
            Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $46,540**Dental Hygienists**
            Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene.
            Associate's degree
            $87,530**Medical Scientists**
            Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $100,890**Optometrists**
            Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $131,860**Physicians and Surgeons**
            Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.**Podiatrists**
            Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $141,650**Veterinarians**
            Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $119,100
 Contacts for More Information
								
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 SpecialistsDentists, GeneralOral and Maxillofacial SurgeonsOrthodontistsProsthodontists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dentists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections 
PSB Suite 2135 
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE  
Washington, DC 20212-0001 Telephone:1-202-691-5700 

www.bls.gov/ooh
Contact OOH