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.
SOC: 29-1021.00
Common Job Titles
DentistFamily DentistGeneral DentistPediatric Dentist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDevelop comprehensive treatment plans integrating patient health history, diagnostic results, and evidence-based dental protocols.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize multidisciplinary knowledge from medicine, biology, and chemistry to manage complex cases involving systemic disease impacts on oral health.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate oral pathology, radiographic findings, and patient symptoms in clinical settings to diagnose diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform restorative procedures including fillings, crowns, and root canals using high-speed and slow-speed dental handpieces, following infection control standards.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate digital radiographic equipment and intraoral imaging systems to capture diagnostic images while minimizing patient radiation exposure.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute oral surgery procedures including extractions and periodontal treatments using surgical elevators, forceps, and electrosurgery devices under aseptic technique.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with clinical judgment when communicating treatment options and managing patient anxiety during dental procedures.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze periodontal health status and disease progression using periodontal probing devices and diagnostic imaging to determine appropriate interventions.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of endodontic procedures utilizing apex locators, root canal files, and obturation techniques to preserve dental tissues.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate preventive dental care and oral hygiene education to diverse patient populations, adapting communication to patient health literacy levels.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate practice management operations and resource allocation coordinating personnel, equipment maintenance, and patient scheduling in private practice settings.Proficient
- MindsetBalance ethical obligations with regulatory compliance requirements when navigating patient consent, treatment documentation, and professional standards of care.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Dentists, General (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
113,490
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $83,860 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $239,200+ |
| Workers on average earn | $196,100 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Biology3.5/5
- Psychology3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Henry Schein DentrixMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareeClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
ABELSoft ABELDentACE DentalAccounting softwareAlphaDentAltaPoint Data Systems AltaPoint DentalDSN Software Dental-ExecDSN Software Oral Surgery-ExecDSN Software Perio-Exec
Tools & Equipment
Air compressorsAir/water syringe tipsAir/water syringesAmalgam bandsAmalgam carriersAmalgam condensersAmalgam retainersAmalgam wells