Dentists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]Job description [/custom_headline]

Dentists 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.

  • 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.
Read more about what does a Dentist really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]Salary [/custom_headline]
Average salary
$175840 per year

Average hourly wage
$85 per hour

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Dentists with little to no experience tend to make between $72810 and $107440 while the more experienced ones can earn over $208,000 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DE $127 $264,440
AK $125 $259,350
RI $122 $254,190
MN $109 $227,280
NH $109 $226,300

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Dentist is to move to a higher paying state like DE. Right now, the highest paying states for Dentists are DE, AK, RI, MN and NH.

However, a higher pay at DE doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DE might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Dentist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″] Requirements [/custom_headline]
Recommended degree level
Doctoral degree

We asked other Dentists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a PhD followed by a College Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Dentistry
Advanced General Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
Dental Public Health Residency Program
Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program
Read more about how to become a Dentist and the degree, training and education you need.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″] Pros and Cons [/custom_headline]

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Dentist.

[icon type=”thumbs-o-up”] PROS
Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally
Suitable for people who wants independence and likes to work on their own and make decisions
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Demand for this career is growing very fast
[icon type=”thumbs-o-down”] CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience is required for this career.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]What is the job like[/custom_headline]
Job satisfaction
82%

Is this job meaningful
86%

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82% of Dentists said they were satisfied with their job and 86% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Dr. Kate Ring
Grace Dental Design

A typical day looks like this: I arrive at work and check the schedule. My assistant prepares the patients and lets me know when they are ready for that day’s dental procedure. I alternate between doing dental procedures and checking the patients who are in the dental hygienist’s chair; checking the patient entails doing a … Read More

Dr. Neil J. Gajjar, DDS

We start our day with our own schedule of procedures and surgeries along with the need to see hygiene patients for check-ups along with any emergencies that walk through the door. The average procedure is between 45-90 minutes and can be anything from fillings, root canals, extractions, or other surgeries. When we see hygiene patients, … Read More

Dr. Michelle Farnoush, DMD

I am responsible for patient intake, assessment, and diagnosis. Planning treatment plans, communicating with patients and team, managing team members (assistants, hygienists, front office), I perform both routine and more specialty dental work- cosmetic treatment (smile makeovers, veneers), implants, general dentistry (fillings, crowns, hygiene exams), sleep and airway assessment. Aside from medical expertise, you need … Read More

Dr. J Salim DMD

I am an NYC general and cosmetic dentist. I founded a dental office (in 1996). As a general dentist, I take care of patients’ dental and oral health needs. That includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the dentition including the teeth, gums, mouth, jaw and related structures. A dentist can practice general … Read More

Dr. Joke Alesh
Doctor Alesh

I’ve wanted to be a dentist since I was 4 years old so for me it’s a dream come true to be practicing as a general dentist. I help patients achieve optimum oral health, alleviate pain, and improve their smiles. My days consists of examining and diagnosis oral diseases, performing treatments like fillings and extractions, … Read More

Dr. Mary R. Pham
Lollipop Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

What is it like being a Dentist? Being a dentist is one of the most amazing careers! You have the ability to own your own business while making a difference in the lives of so many patients by educating them about the importance of excellent dental health. You are also able to build lifelong friendships, … Read More

Patrick Campbell
United States Navy

My name is Patrick Campbell and I am a licensed, practicing dentist with the United States Navy. I feel as though I have a few unique perspectives that I can hopefully provide to your readers. 1. The harsh reality of student loans As a recently graduated dentist from dental school, I can speak about some … Read More

Dr. Pooneh Ramezani
Dr. Brite

What is your work life like? Dentistry is one field of medicine that you could somewhat have a set schedule and don’t need to be oncall like other branches of medicine. Work life consists of seeing patients 4-5 days a week and providing treatment for them. I start work at 9AM and end my day … Read More

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]Is this right for me[/custom_headline]
Best personality for this career
The Thinkers and The Builders

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

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[content_band class=”toc-bottom” border=”all”] [custom_headline type=”left” style=”margin-top: 0;” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″]Learn more about Dentists[/custom_headline]
[icon type=”home”] Summary (You are here)
[icon type=”list-ul”] Job Description
[icon type=”dollar”] Salary
[icon type=”graduation-cap”] Requirements
[icon type=”heart”] Quiz
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Related career information

Dentists job description, Dentists salary, Dentists information, what is the job of a Dentist like, pros and cons about Dentists, colleges and universities for Dentists, is Dentists the right career for me, careers in Healthcare and Medical

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Associate Dentist, Dental Intern, Dental Officer, Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Dentist, Dentist/Owner, Doctor, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Endodontist

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