In addition to offering preventive oral health care and diagnostic assessment, dentists pull and fix teeth. Patience is crucial when working with worried patients who would rather be just about anywhere else. The occupation requires the ability to perform delicate procedures with steady hands and extensive training. The yearly median salary of dentists is more than 4 times greater than the annual median pay of all professions. Compensation reflects a high level of responsibility and years of education.
Job Description
You can consider a career in dentistry if you communicate well and are fascinated by dental science. Using lasers, X-ray machines, drills, probes, and other diagnostic tools, the dentist expertly assesses gums and teeth’ condition. A typical day involves examining patients, screening for oral cancer, reviewing X-rays, applying whitening agents and sealants, administering anesthetics, filling cavities, and removing the decay. Serious issues require consulting with patients about treatment options, such as the crown, root canal, bridge, or tooth extraction. For instance, general dentists refer patients to specialists, like orthodontists, if children need braces. If you decide to start your own practice, you will also be responsible for finding an office space, hiring and supervising staff, buying equipment, overseeing financial operations, and insurance billing.
Education Requirement
Starting in high school, take extensive science and math classes, especially Advanced Placement courses in biology, chemistry, and physics if you plan to become a dentist. Speech and English classes can help you develop excellent written and verbal communication skills. According to the ADA (American Dental Association), many dentists earn a college degree before starting dental studies. You need not major in science as an undergraduate student, as you complete the pre-dentistry curriculum, which typically includes one year of college chemistry, biology, physics, and English.
These courses can help you do well on the DAT (Dental Admissions Test). You will then spend 4 years in dental school working towards a doctorate degree. Typically, the first two years focus on classes related to anatomy, oral health, physiology, diagnostics, pathology, periodontology, and radiology. Clinical rotation begins in the 3rd year with hands-on experience along with continued classroom training. The 4th year of dental school is a transition from college to clinical practice. Lastly, you will need to obtain a state license, which will include NBDE (National Board Dental Examinations).
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Careers in the U.S:
Dentists earn a median annual salary of $159,200 or $76.54 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019. That means that half of the dentists make more than the median and half make less. A dentist working forty hours per week would usually make $3,072 per week, but most dentists opt to work more or less than the standard forty-hour week(1).
Careers in Europe:
An entry-level Dentist with less than 0ne year experience can expect to make an average total compensation (includes bonus, tips, and overtime pay) of £35,195. An early career Dentist with 1-5 years of experience makes an average total compensation of £40,244. A mid-career Dentist with 5-10 years of experience makes an average total compensation of £57,084. A Dentist with an experience of 10-20 years makes an average total remuneration of £61,660. In their late-career (20-plus years ), employees make an average total remuneration of £73,698.
Careers in Asia:
An entry-level Dentist with less than one year experience can expect to make an average total compensation (includes bonus, tips, and overtime pay) of S$60,000 (Singapore). An early career Dentist with 1-5 years of experience makes an average total compensation of S$61,042. A mid-career Dentist with 5-10 years of experience earns an average total compensation of S$99,159. A Dentist with an experience of 10-20 years makes an average total remuneration of S$100,000. In their late-career (20-plus years), employees make an average total remuneration of S$151,696.
Industry
Many dentists work in dental offices. Depending on the practice, they may be needed to work evenings and weekends and days. However, dentists usually have some control over their schedules, making it easier to fulfill family responsibilities and maintain a life-work balance.
Years of Experience
Experienced dentists can charge proper fees and go into their own practice after developing a loyal following and reliable reputation. Specialists have higher earning potential, but that also requires a 2- to 4-year residency after dental school. For instance, dentists with a specialization in orthodontics can earn around $208,000 per annum. Positions in research and teaching typically require up to 5 years of advanced training after dental school.
Dentist Salary As Per Location
The ERI (Economic Research Institute) provides a sampling of approximate salaries in some cities for dentists, which includes those with specialties. In New York-Manhattan, overall dentists made an estimated average annual compensation of $189,955; in Boston, $186,351; Los Angeles $185,752; Minneapolis $174,397; Charlotte, $170,117; Chicago $169,486; Miami $169,166; Cincinnati $164,569; and Phoenix $161,151.
Job Growth Trend
Future job opportunities for dentists look bright. The BLS projects that the requirement for dentists will increase nineteen percent between 2016 and 2026, much quicker than average. A large aging population will need more dental care to treat oral cancer and repair teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is also increasing in popularity.
