Median pay
$172,790
Median annual pay for Dentists, General.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Healthcare
Dentists, General
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
10-year growth
4.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
3,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
129,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Dentists, General in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+5,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical education needed to enter Dentists, General.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Critical Thinking
- 2Active Listening
- 3Monitoring
- 4Reading Comprehension
- 5Speaking
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Medicine and Dentistry
- 2Customer and Personal Service
- 3English Language
- 4Biology
- 5Psychology
- 6Education and Training
Abilities
- 1Finger Dexterity
- 2Problem Sensitivity
- 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
- 4Deductive Reasoning
- 5Inductive Reasoning
- 6Near Vision
Career interests
- 1Investigative
- 2Realistic
- 3Social
- 4Conventional
- 5Enterprising
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Integrity
- 5Self-Control
- 6Empathy
Work activities
- 1Getting Information
- 2Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- 3Assisting and Caring for Others
- 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 6Documenting/Recording Information
Work context
- 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 2Physical Proximity
- 3Frequency of Decision Making
- 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- 5Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- 6Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Representative tasks
- Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
Software and tools
eClinicalWorks EHR software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyHenry Schein Dentrix · hot technologyABELSoft ABELDentHenry Schein PerioVisionKodak Dental Systems Kodak PRACTICEWORKS Practice management software PMSKodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMSMDC Services DentalMateMOGO Dental Software MOGOOCS Office-PartnerPatterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.