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
Dentist
Family Dentist
General Dentist
Pediatric Dentist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $83,860. 25th percentile: U.S. $126,090. 50th percentile: U.S. $172,790. 75th percentile: U.S. $220,380. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
