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.

$179,210
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+4% projected 2024โ€“2034
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

General dentists spend their days examining patients' teeth and gums to identify cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They perform a wide range of procedures including cleaning teeth, filling cavities, extracting damaged teeth, and repairing cracked or broken teeth. Much of their work involves using specialized instruments like drills, probes, and X-ray machines to diagnose problems that aren't visible to the naked eye. They also educate patients about proper brushing and flossing techniques and discuss treatment options for various dental conditions.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Dentistry(masters)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$262,499
Dental Residency Programs(professional)Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, LA
$229,117
Dentistry(professional)Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, IL
$154,408
Dentistry(professional)Oregon Health & Science University, OR
$151,772
Dentistry(professional)Augusta University, GA
$145,581
Dentistry(professional)A T Still University of Health Sciences, MO
$142,550
Dentistry(professional)University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MN
$140,452
Dentistry(professional)Marquette University, WI
$139,679
Dentistry(professional)University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO
$138,806
Dentistry(professional)Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
$138,744
Dentistry(professional)University of Iowa, IA
$138,670
Dentistry(professional)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
$137,708
Dentistry(professional)Creighton University, NE
$135,420
Dentistry(professional)University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, OK
$135,024
Dentistry(professional)University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center, OK
$135,024
Dentistry(doctoral)Midwestern University-Downers Grove, IL
$134,367
Dentistry(professional)University of Florida, FL
$132,958
Dentistry(professional)University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE
$132,480
Dentistry(professional)University of Detroit Mercy, MI
$132,219
Dentistry(professional)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA
$132,027
Dentistry(professional)Indiana University-Indianapolis, IN
$132,026
Dentistry(professional)University of Illinois Chicago, IL
$131,656
Dentistry(professional)University of Louisville, KY
$131,017
Dentistry(professional)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$130,546
Dentistry(professional)Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, LA
$130,531

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