Full-time positions are primarily limited to academic medical centers or large facilities. Salary Starting salary is dictated by the amount and type of experience and training brought to the position, the size of the program, and the payment method for services rendered. Part-time dentists may not be salaried but other practice opportunities usually provide the major source of income. Government programs, third party plans, and hospital policy all must be considered in determining the earning potential for hospital dentistry. A significant increase in the number of hospital-based dental practices does not seem likely in the future, although a few more hospitals may acquire programs.
Individual programs vary with the stated objectives and ownership of the hospital.
Private proprietary hospitals usually base their decisions on consideration of profit. Therefore, a hospital dental program must demonstrate economic feasibility and gain before one will be developed. Due to the current financial state of most health care institutions, the future development of programs in these hospitals seem unlikely. Private non-profit hospitals possibly present the most diverse opportunities, but all are heavily dependent upon hospital management. After careful selection of a financially healthy institution, these hospitals should be very conducive to effective dental programs.