Careers in Dentistry

Options for Those Who Want Careers in Dentistry

Those who want careers in dentistry have four options from which to choose. You can be a dentist, a dental hygienist, a dental assistant or a dental technician. Educational and licensing requirements differ for each of these careers in dentistry, as do duties and salaries. See the chart below for a quick look at the differences between each of these career choices.

Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with their patients' teeth and mouth tissue. Those who want to become dentists must attend dental school, a four year endeavor. Most dental school applicants have a bachelor's degree, although a minimum of only two years of pre-dental education is required. After graduating from dental school, one must be licensed by the state in which he or she wants to practice. A written exam and a practical exam are required. The median annual salary for dentists was $137,630 and median hourly wages of $66.17 in 2007. in 2007.^*
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Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists, generally working under the supervision of a dentist, provide patients with preventative dental care. To become a dental hygienist one must earn an associate degree from a dental hygiene school. State licensing, which is obtained after taking written and practical exams, is required of those who want to work as dental hygienists. Dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $64,740 and median hourly wages of $31.12 in 2007.^*
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Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work alongside dentists, performing some patient care, but not the same tasks dental hygienists are licensed to perform. Dental assistants also perform laboratory and office duties. Dental assistants usually receive their training on-the-job, although some attend dental assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes or the Armed Forces. Some states license or register dental assistants. Dental assistants earned a median salary of $31,550 and median hourly wages of $13.62 in 2007.^*
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Dental Technician

Dental technicians manufacture dental prosthetics based on dentists' specifications. They are also called dental laboratory technicians. Many dental technicians receive on-the-job training although many employers prefer to hire job candidates who have received formal training through community colleges, vocational-technical schools and the U.S. Armed Forces. Voluntary certification is offered by The National Board for Certification, an independent board established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Dental technicians earned a median annual salary of $33,480 and median hourly wages of $16.10 in 2007.^*
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Technician

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, "Dentists," on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072.htm, "Dental Hygienists," on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm, "Dental Assistants," on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm, Dental Laboratory Technicians on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos238.htm and Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2007, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm (visited August 5, 2008).

Comparing Careers in Dentistry
	Education	License	Median Salary
Dentist	Dental School (4 years)	Required in all states	$137,630/yr. or $66.17/hr.
Dental Hygienist	Associate Degree	Required in all states	$64,740/yr. or $31.12/hr.
Dental Assistant	HS Diploma and On-the-Job Training	Required in some states	$31,550/yr. or $13.62/hr.
Dental Technician	HS Diploma and On-the-Job Training or some formal training	Voluntary certification	$33,480/yr. or $16.10/hr.