Dentistry (Pre-Dental to D.D.S./D.M.D.)
Dentistry diagnoses and treats problems of the teeth, gums and mouth. U.S. dentists earn a D.D.S. or D.M.D. after college, pass national and clinical exams, and are licensed by the state; specialists such as orthodontists and oral surgeons train further.
Where Dentistry (Pre-Dental to D.D.S./D.M.D.) can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists | $176,110 | +6% Faster than average |
4,800 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
Key numbers to know
What dentists earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by specialty
| Specialty | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Oral and maxillofacial surgeons | $352,220 |
| Prosthodontists | $311,180 |
| Orthodontists | $289,140 |
| Dentists, all other specialists | $224,990 |
| Dentists, general | $170,950 |
Where they work: 78% work in offices of dentists and 12% are self-employed.
Source: BLS, dentists (pay and work environment tabs).
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Many dentists work less than 40 hours a week, although some work considerably more; some work evenings and weekends.
Common tasks
- 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.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Have constant contact with others | |
| Wear safety equipment every day | |
| Are exposed to disease or infection every day | |
| Say the consequence of an error is extremely serious |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Investigative, Realistic, Social. Source: O*NET OnLine, 29-1021.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Science and dexterity
Biology, chemistry, math; shadow a dentist.
- Step 2
Bachelor's + DAT
Pre-dental courses, then the Dental Admission Test.
- Step 3
D.D.S. or D.M.D.
Usually four years with clinical patient care.
- Step 4
INBDE + clinical exam
National board exam plus a state or regional clinical exam.
- Goal
State dental license
Optional 2- to 4-year residency for a specialty.
High school preparation
From BLS: BLS suggests high school courses such as biology, chemistry and math.
- Biology, chemistry and math (BLS's own advice)
- Physics
- Art, crafts or anything that builds fine hand skills
- Healthcare volunteering or shadowing a dentist
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
A bachelor's degree with science coursework, then a D.D.S. or D.M.D. from an accredited dental school; specialties add a 2- to 4-year residency.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | |
| Post-doctoral training |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for dentists: communication skills, detail oriented, dexterity, leadership skills, organizational skills, patience, problem-solving skills.
Dentist license
Granted by state dental boards. All states license dentists, and requirements vary by state (BLS).
Why demand is changing
BLS expects more older people needing dental care (and keeping more of their natural teeth), plus restorative work and the growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry.
Faster than average
Dentists
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Think about business as well as science — many dentists run their own practice.
- Specialties pay more but add years: oral and maxillofacial surgeons had a median of $352,220 versus $170,950 for general dentists (BLS, May 2025).
- Prepare early for the DAT; besides science and reading, it has a Perceptual Ability section that tests spatial reasoning (ADA).
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dentists checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 29-1021.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Outlook Handbook · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics checked 2026-10-07
- INBDE · Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations checked 2026-10-07
- Dental Admission Test (DAT) · American Dental Association checked 2026-10-07