Prosthodontists
Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw.
Also called: DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), Dental Science Dr (Dental Science Doctor), Denturist, Maxillofacial Prosthetics Dentist, Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Oral Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Median pay
$311,180
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$103,510 – $344,750
People employed
870
Holland code
RIS
Realistic · Investigative · 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 to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 6.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
What prosthodontists do
- 01Examine patients to diagnose oral health conditions and diseases.
- 02Fit prostheses to patients, making any necessary adjustments and modifications.
- 03Replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures, such as dentures.
- 04Measure and take impressions of patients' jaws and teeth to determine the shape and size of dental prostheses, using face bows, dental articulators, recording devices, and other materials.
- 05Collaborate with general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions to dental and oral health concerns.
- 06Design and fabricate dental prostheses, or supervise dental technicians and laboratory bench workers who construct the devices.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Biology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
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: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- 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 prosthodontists
- Orthotists and Prosthetists57% · −74%
- Athletic Trainers52% · −80%
- Midwives46% · group pay
- Dental Assistants46% · −85%
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary46% · −66%
Majors that lead here
- Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology
- Prosthodontics Residency Program
- Implantology Fellowship Program
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.