💵 U.S. Salary Range (2025)
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Median Annual Salary: ~$179,210 (May 2024 BLS)
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Associate General Dentists (employed): ~$225,929/year; practice owners average ~$320,316/year per DentalPost 2025 report
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Indeed Data: Average ~$233,187/year; range spans from ~$142,879 to ~$380,575/year
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Geographic Peaks: Rhode Island (
$258,920), Vermont ($254,190), Alaska ($242,850), Maine ($236,060) — higher earnings in certain states💰 Salary Summary:
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Entry-level: ~$140K
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Median: ~$180 - 230K
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Top-tier and practice owners: $300K - $380K+
🩺 What They Do
Dentists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health issues, including those affecting teeth, gums, and the mouth. Typical responsibilities include:
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Performing dental examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and crowns
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Managing gum disease, decay, bite alignment, and oral pathology
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Prescribing medications and administering local anesthesia
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Educating patients on oral hygiene, diet, and preventive care
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Some pursue specialties—such as orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, dental anesthesiology, or public health dentistry
🎓 Education & Training
Becoming a dentist typically requires:
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Bachelor’s Degree (4 years, pre‑health science prerequisites)
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Dental School (4 years leading to DDS or DMD) — first two years focus on foundational sciences, final two on clinical care. Candidates must pass National Board Dental Examinations (INBDE)
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Postdoctoral Training (optional for general practice; required for specialties via residency or advanced programs)
⌛ Total Training Time: ~8 years post‑high-school
📜 Certification & Specialties
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General dentists may optionally earn certification through the American Board of General Dentistry
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Specialists (e.g., orthodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons) complete a residency (2–6 years) and receive specialty certification via ADA‑recognized boards
🏛️ Licensing
To practice legally, all U.S. dentists must:
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Graduate from a CODA‑accredited dental program
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Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE) and a regional clinical licensing exam (administered by agencies like CITA, CDCA‑WREB, CRDTS, SRTA)
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Obtain a state license from the dental board in the state of practice
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Some states allow licensure-by-credentials for licensed dentists from other states without repeating exams
📈 Job Outlook & Trends
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Job growth projected at ~5% from 2023 to 2033—on par with average occupations; ~4,900 new openings per year anticipated (BLS data)
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Clients of all ages seek dental care; growing need for cosmetic, restorative, and geriatric dental services
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Private practice ownership remains common; about half of dentists operate solo practices
✅ Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Diagnose and treat oral health issues |
| Salary Range | $140K (entry) – $230K median; up to ~$320 - 380K for owners |
| Training | 8 years (Bachelor’s + Dental school) |
| Certification | Optional board certification; specialty-specific paths |
| Licensing | INBDE + regional clinical exam + state dental license |
Dentistry offers the blend of clinical skill, patient interaction, and entrepreneurial opportunity—whether in general practice or specialized care.