Dentists (General)
O*NET title: 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.
Also called: DDS (Dental Surgery Doctor), Dental Officer, Dentist, DMD (Dental Medicine Doctor), Endodontist, Family Dentist
Median pay
$170,950
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$86,250 – $319,630
People employed
124,390
Holland code
IRS
Investigative · Realistic · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 6.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 7.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 8.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Dentists (General) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What dentists (general) do
- 01Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- 02Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- 03Examine 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.
- 04Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- 05Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- 06Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Administration and Management
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from dentists (general)
- Clinical Research Coordinators61% · group pay
- Medical Dosimetrists58% · −14%
- Natural Sciences Managers54% · −2%
- Dental Assistants50% · −72%
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary50% · −37%
Majors that lead here
- Dentistry
- Advanced General Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
- Dental Public Health Residency Program
- Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.