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Dentistry Defined

Dentistry school is where students learn about area of study and practice related to treatment of the mouth and teeth. Individuals in this field will work with a dental team to help patients maintain proper oral health, provide treatment for infection or cavities, and perform surgery to removal or remediate oral issues. Dentists may also provide prescriptions in order to facilitate care depending on their state of residence.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$178,670

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

79.25%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

122,330

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Dentistry Degree

Harvard University is known for its world-class faculty, academics, and research that provides rewarding opportunities for its students. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this university is not only recognized as one of the oldest colleges in the United States but also recognized for being a member of the Ivy League. 

The School of Dental Medicine has developed a program that fosters and develops the global leaders of tomorrow to become dedicated to improving human health through medicine and dentistry. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, students will experience a collaborative environment through a variety of courses. These professionals are committed to training students in the field of dental medicine. Its academic departments include developmental biology, oral health and epidemiology, oral medicine, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Columbia University in New York City is recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, offering courses including engineering, biological sciences, computing, performing arts, and social sciences. It was established in 1754 as King’s College and today, it houses nearly 35,000 students each year. 

The mission of the university’s college of dental medicine is to provide exceptional academic learning that supports faculty and students as they aspire for preeminence in education, science, and dentistry. It offers a variety of global, graduate, and undergraduate courses such as residence, post-doctoral, advanced training, internships, and DDS degrees. The university also provides research resources including laboratories, centers, clinics, and research fields to help students have excellent knowledge in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Established in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is known as the first institution of higher education in America. It is an Ivy League university that houses more than 20,000 students yearly on its 1,000-acre campus in Philadelphia. 

It provides dental medicine programs for students who are interested to further their education in the field. Some of its programs include the graduate degree in dental education, dental medicine doctor, advanced graduate degrees, and programs for advanced standing students. The university also provides various student services such as career counseling and student housing, wellness, and organizations. Students can also choose to concentrate on endodontics, oral medicine, orthodontics, pharmacology, pediatric dentistry, and periodontics. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Southern California is known for being one of the premier institutions that provide excellent research programs. Located in Los Angeles, Robert M. Widney established the university in 1880, and today, it houses nearly 50,000 students each semester. 

The university offers dentistry programs that shape students to become outstanding dental hygienists and dentists. It has a challenging clinical education mentored by expert faculty members who teach students to develop the necessary skills in order to become the best in their field. Students will not just study in classrooms but will also have an opportunity to take their lessons to laboratories and clinics to emerge with the latest advancement in dental treatments. The online and on-campus programs include master’s in digital dentistry and biomedical implants, and doctorate degrees in dental surgery, international dentists, and craniofacial biology.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Tufts University is dedicated to educating a diverse community of students for a changing world. It provides world-class research and first-class teaching that promotes inclusiveness, global leadership, sustainability, innovation, and transformative experiences. 

Students who are looking for a degree in dentistry can enroll in the university’s school of dental medicine that has been operating for 150 years. It offers two doctorate degrees and a wide range of post-graduate programs such as fellowship certificates, internships, and other certificate programs in the field of dental medicine. The school also has nine departments including orthodontics, prosthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, public health, and comprehensive care among others. 

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of California in Los Angeles creates an environment that is enriched with diverse perspectives where all students, staff, and faculty can flourish. Founded in 1919, the university is a public institution that serves more than 30,000 students each year. 

With a person-centered and future-focused environment, the university offers uncompromising excellence in its dentistry programs. The school of dental health was founded in 1964 and has been providing cutting-edge research, comprehensive dental education, commitment to community service, and quality patient care. Some of its programs are residency, continuing education, graduate, international, doctoral, and pre-dental. Throughout the courses, students will also learn patient care including the types of service, cost of care, clinic locations, and patient resources. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has a 3,200-acre campus area that accommodates more than 30,000 students annually. It has a mission to serve the community of Michigan and the world through creating, preserving, communicating, and applying arts, knowledge, and academic values. 

The mission of the university’s school of dentistry is to advance health through education, research, discovery, and service. The school is divided into various departments including the department of dental hygiene, cariology, endodontics, orthodontics, oral medicine, and prosthodontics. Students can also achieve their academic and professional goals through undergraduate, graduate, continuing dental education, and dual degree programs. Upon completion, graduates can have a successful career in the local and international dental medicine field

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The 135-acre campus of Boston University can accommodate up to 30,000 students yearly. It is known for providing high-quality programs in medicine, economics, business, engineering, and law school, together with its state-of-the-art academic resources and research laboratory. 

The top ranked Dental School at Boston University is one of the 17 schools and colleges of the university, it offers dental medicine programs wherein students will be taught by expert faculty with outstanding credentials and has a great dedication to providing experiential learning opportunities. Students who are enrolled in the programs will develop their knowledge and skills needed for a career in the dentistry field. With its doctorate, advanced standing, and certificate programs, the university became an ideal environment for students to learn, and to begin or advance their careers. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

As one of the most prestigious universities, the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill is known for its ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. It offers more than 200 professionals, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs through its various colleges and schools. 

The university has founded the School of Dentistry in 1950 and it has been committed to advancing the dental health of the individuals living in North Carolina and beyond. Students who are interested in participating in the courses offered by the school will be trained to become dental health professionals who will make new discoveries while revolutionizing dental education. Students can also choose between the 16 dental health-related programs and 9 international service trips. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Since 1831, New York University has been committed to helping individuals embrace their urban identity and professional focus while promoting a global perspective. The university is one of the most respected research universities in the globe with its 19 schools and colleges. 

It has a diverse community of local and international students who can enroll in its 230 areas of study including dentistry. Students who are enrolled in dental-related programs can experience high-quality education and hands-on training in patient care as well as extensive research and innovation. Some of its programs are dental hygiene, dental surgery, international dentists, advanced education, interprofessional education, and master’s degree. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Established in 1853, the University of Florida has a mission to enable students to influence and lead the next generation that adds to the cultural, societal, and economic benefit of the world. It is located in Gainesville, Florida, and serves more than 55,000 students each year. 

University of Florida’s college of dentistry produces global leaders in dental research, education, and patient care. It offers quality learner-focused education and comprehensive dental care in the university’s diverse and inclusive environment. The college also provides opportunities for students to choose from a variety of program options such as professional, advanced, graduate, master’s, continuing education, and certificate programs that concentrate on dental health

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Case Western Reserve University is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and was established in 1826. It is equipped with nearly 7,000 part-time and fulltime faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing excellent learning to its more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. 

Its dentistry program has a mission to provide outstanding oral health education, focused research and scholarship, patient care, and public service. Students of the programs will foster professionalism that enables them to become competent providers and contributors to the well-being and hell of the individuals in the communities. Its programs are focused on general dentistry, community dentistry, endodontics, dental auxiliary, oral and maxillofacial surgery, biological sciences, orthodontics, and many others. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Connecticut is a public university that focuses on providing world-class academic and research programs for the people of the local community and the world. It was founded in 1881 and is built to help students have developed their talents and skills to enhance their personal and professional growth. 

The UConn’s top rated School of Dental Medicine provides students with the best education that specializes in oral health care programs and research. Students will be taught by experienced professionals with advanced training in emergency dental care, general restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral pathology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and more. Students can also receive counseling for career and academics, student resources, and financial aid. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ohio State University offers world-class undergraduate and graduate programs in diverse areas of studies. Its 1,600-acre campus is located in Columbus, Ohio that serves 67,000 students each year. 

The College of Dentistry in the university trains students to become specialists through its comprehensive patient care services and unparalleled academic programs. Students are provided with classroom, clinical, and laboratory education focusing on microbiology, immunology, hard tissue biology, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and dental materials science among others. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in training, seminars, events, research, and other dental health programs. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

As one of the world’s finest public universities, the University of Washington in Seattle that values research, leadership, sustainability, integrity, and diversity. The university and its 5,000 academic and administrative staff serve nearly 50,000 students on its 700-acre urban campus. 

The top rated dental school of the university is divided into different departments including oral medicine, oral pathology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and more. The school has a mission to disseminate, generate, and preserve knowledge to serve the communities and the region. Through its programs, students will receive cutting-edge information from world-class speakers, hands-on training opportunities, and promotes collaborative education and research that plays an important role in serving the global community

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Minnesota in Twin Cities is serving more than 50,000 passionate students who are seeking new knowledge to provide positive changes in society. Since 1851, the university has been true to its mission by providing community-engaged outreach, world-class education, and a groundbreaking research program. 

The university is only the source of dental education between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. It has a school of dentistry that values diversity, inclusion, and equity. Students who are interested to join the programs developed by the school will be educated to become research and general dentists as well as dental specialists, educators, hygienists, and therapists. In addition, students will also receive excellent clinical, educational, research, patient care, and service programs. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Stony Brook University is internationally recognized as a center for academic and research excellence that offers students a world-class education. It offers more than 200 major and minor degrees that enriches the skills and knowledge of students to help them achieve a successful career in their chosen fields.   Stony Brook has established a dental medicine school that aims to deliver outstanding patient care, service, and research that improves the lives of the local community and beyond. It offers various programs including general practice residency, oral biology, dental surgery, and other postgraduate programs such as pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, dental anesthesiology, and many more. Students of these programs will receive student discounts if proven to become eligible for scholarships or financial aid. 

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Established in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh serves more than 20,000 students who are taking part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Is equipped with world-class faculty members who are dedicated to providing unique learning experiences to its students.   Individuals who aspire to become dentists can enroll in the university’s dentistry programs developed by the school of dental medicine. Students will be taught to become the best dental provides that improve the oral health of the individuals living in the local and global communities. It offers programs in advanced dental education, residency, oral sciences, dental hygiene, and dental surgery. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The oldest of the three main Rutgers campuses in the nation is Rutgers University in New Brunswick. It was built in 1766, and its main campus is in New Jersey.  Rutgers’ School of Dental Medicine has a goal to provide outstanding research, education, and patient care to the communities of the world. It has a mission to improve the oral health knowledge of the students in order for them to become future professionals and scientists. The school is divided into different departments such as community health, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, oral biology, diagnostic sciences, and other dental health-related fields. Students can also enroll in the university for their pre-doctoral, post-graduate, and continuing dental education academic goals. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Texas A&M University, established in 1876, offers excellent learning and study opportunities for its approximately 70,000 students. It also has a 5,500-acre campus located in College Station, Texas, which houses 5,000 academic employees.  The university offers an undergraduate degree in dentistry and dental hygiene wherein students will be prepared to practice quality care to patients with the help of faculty members who are experts in the field. Students will also be eligible for state licensure that will be beneficial to those who will pursue employment after graduation. In addition, students will also receive career advising and academic counseling from faculty and staff.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Buffalo is a state university in New York that was established in 1846. It is a prestigious public university committed to academic excellence in science and creative endeavors. 

It also strongly encourages students to make a positive contribution to society. For more than 125 years, the university offers dental medicine degree programs that educate general practitioners and biomedical scientists through comprehensive oral health programs. Students who are interested to pursue studies in the field can join the master’s degrees in oral sciences, orthodontics, biomaterials, or become part of the doctorate degrees in oral biology and dental surgery. Students can also receive certificates if they participate in general practice residency, endodontics, orthodontics, and other related programs. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Temple University strives to create a diverse community that fosters openness and respect among students, staff, and faculty. It helps to improve and enhance the lives of the community by involving students in a transformative and supportive environment. 

Students who seek outstanding education in dentistry can enroll in the dental medicine programs offered by Temple University. With the guidance of expert practitioners who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge, students’ skills and abilities will be shaped to become the next generation of dentists. The areas of study that students will learn concentrate on periodontology, orthodontics, general dentistry, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. Upon graduation, graduates will help in community engagement and investment. 

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Howard University has 13 separate divisions that include associate, undergraduate, and technical degrees to help students achieve their interests and goals. The university is also a leader in STEM education and offers doctoral programs in social work, communication sciences, and business. 

The College of Dentistry of Howard University has been operating since 1881. It has trained thousands of highly experienced dental professionals who are dedicated to serving the communities by teaching patient care services. Its key mission is to continue to be a national resource for dental executives, as well as providing comprehensive research and education that attracts highly motivated students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. It offers doctorate, pre-doctorate, postdoctoral, and continuing education programs. 

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, provides opportunities for those who want to make a positive difference in the world. It is committed to academic excellence, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs for students. 

The School of Dentistry of Creighton University has been providing world-class education since 1905. It has programs that prepare students for professional excellence, compassionate service, and community leadership. Students will be mentored by professors who are dedicated to giving excellent quality to their transformative lectures and training about dental medicine. Throughout the program, students will also learn to commit to improving the individual’s oral health in the community. 

Acceptance Rate

73.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The mission of the University of Utah is to foster students’ success by generating new knowledge, innovations, and discoveries that promote health, quality, and education. It was founded in 1850 as an exclusive university for men. Today, it serves both men and women on its 1,500-acre campus. 

It has a school of dentistry that provides quality education and training for students who are interested to begin or continue their studies in the field. The school has been serving educators, communities, and students since 1980 and offers fulfilling career positions for research and clinical faculty. It also offers student resident programs such as general practice residency, continuing education, and Doctor of Dental Surgery. In addition, students also receive various academic resources that can be used to expand their knowledge in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Dental School Pre Med Requirements

There are several types of dental schools in oral health sciences along with various degree programs available to students to consider. For example, individuals wishing to become dentists must follow a prescribed path in their journal. Typical steps in the process to become a dentist include:

  1. Earning a bachelors degree in a related field of study such as physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or physics
  2. Successfully pass the Dental Acceptance Test (DAT) examination
  3. Gather letters of recommendation and apply to an accredited dental school
  4. Gain admissions to a dental college
  5. Decide to specialize, be a generalist, perform research, or teach. Depending on the area of specialty it will take two to six years to complete dental school. The nice, recognized areas of specialization for a dentist include Endodontics, Dental Public Health, Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Surgery, Radiology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Prosthodontics
  6. Pass required classes, National Board Dental Exam, clinical examinations and applicable dissertation projects
  7. Obtain work experience by volunteering, shadowing a licensed dentist, or similar work experience
  8. Decide where you want to work and find an associateship position

Dentistry Coursework Requirements

The curriculum required will wholly depend on your degree choice. More specifically, a dental assistant will take different courses than a dentist. Typical curriculum you will take in a dental school include core science and pathology classes such as:

Dentistry's schools can be rated based on the success of their graduates, particularly whether or not the schools students have high default rates on loans. High default rates mean a lack of successful dentists which can be equated to the education offered. Additionally, school's that offer assistance in residency placement and assistance in licensure examination preparation for a given state are of higher value.

Top Dental Schools

Given the range of jobs listed above, it should come as no surprise the types of schools and degree tracks in dentistry range widely.  In most cases, successfully completing a degree program or diploma program from an accredited college or university is followed by passing a state-based dental examination.

The examination is often administered by a state’s dental board or equivalent agency, with a certificate or licensure to follow for successful candidates.   Programs in the dental field can be part of a 4-year college or university, community college, vocational school, or dental specialty school.

Four-Year Dental College

A 4-year dental college or university may offer a variety of dental programs which often require students to have successfully completed lower-level courses prior to matriculation.  A four-year college or university can offer associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in dentistry.

The combination of leading-edge research coupled with hands-on learning opportunities and ready access to subject matter experts makes a 4-year college an appealing starting point for many dental professionals.

A four-year university or college offering dental degree programs also include a substantive number of general education coursework.  The emphasis on general education courses (think English composition, philosophy, creative writing) remain in dental programs based on real-world feedback from employers and graduates.

Vocational School, Career College, or Technical Institute

A technical institute or trade school is rooted in career preparedness.  In other words, a vocational school targets skill development with a heavy emphasis on work-readiness.  A traditional technical institute or vocational college would offer certificate or degree programs in dental assistant, dental hygiene, or dental lab technician.

The objective for the school and the student, would be to immediately step into a job in the dental field upon program completion.  A dental program offered by a vocational college would be focused on the skills at hand with limited general education studies and would generally last one to two years depending on the program and credits taken.

Community College

A community college provides an educational pathway for students pursuing certificate programs or associate degree tracks.  For students who enroll in a community college in the dental field, you can expect a larger number of general education courses to be included in your program.

Employers and alumni find the additional classes in general education classes like public speaking and writing to be useful after graduation as part of a well-rounded professional.  The better equipped students are to engage and communicate with others, the better long-term vocational prospects exist.

Dental School

A dental school is a specialty school within dentistry to provide the core curriculum of courses for dental hygienists, dental laboratory assistant, and dental assistants.  Certificate programs found at dental schools will provide students with more science-heavy courses than found at a typical community college.  However, specialty dental schools tend to offer access to quality healthcare, dental operations, and research curricula to help students for vibrant dental careers upon graduation.

Which Dental School is Right for Me?

Figuring out which type of dental program or dental degree track is right for you is a factor of your long-term career aspirations along with your personal priorities. As a helpful guide, make sure the program you are researching has the right mix of quality curriculum, academic support, and program tracks to support your vocational goals. Find the best dental school in the US by using criteria that is important to you. Criteria to consider include the following:

A Robust Dental Curriculum After you have ensured the school is one of the three hundred plus CODA accredited schools, you will need to ask great questions to determine the quality of the program. By meeting with admissions officers, alumni, and community members in the dental field, you will get a first-hand account of a college or universities programs. The schools reputation, quality curriculum, financial aid food package, resources campus safety, rate of passing state exams on the first try, and student support are good indications of a successful program.

In addition, the academic and pragmatic blend is a great learning tandem for most students. If an accredited school has a formal internship program and a partnership with local dental offices, you can rest assured the school is investing resources to ensure quality outcomes for everyone.

Degree Program Accreditation Accredited schools have earned their designation by passing a rigorous set of audits by third parties and have been found to be equipped to prepare students for state licensure examinations and to subsequently work in the dental field. During your research for quality dental programs, stick to schools with a CODA (The Commission on Dental Accreditation) affiliation for the best possible schooling experience for your educational investment.

Areas of Specialization As you winnow down your list of top colleges and dental degree programs, it is more important than ever to ensure the schools on your short list have the programs you are most interested in pursuing. More specifically, lets say you are focused on becoming a research specialist in pediatric dentist.

You find a great school that fits your priorities and your budget, but the school only offers general dentistry. How do you proceed with this enigma? Does it make sense for you to complete the general dentistry program then transfer schools to work towards the research specialization in pediatric dentistry or attend a different school to being with?

Knowing these vital factors in advance will save you time and resources regardless of the type of college or university you select. Take the time to perform the necessary research on schools, degree programs, and areas of specialization early in the process.

Top Dental Degrees

There are six primary degree buckets for students to pursue in dentistry. These include a diploma program, certificate program, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate degree. Within these different degree levels, schools can provide hybrid programs (online and classroom based) or accelerated programs to meet the needs of students in tandem with the demands of the workforce. A brief overview of each type of degree level to help you jump start your research in the dental field.

Dentistry Diploma Programs

Diploma programs are often one-year programs intended to provide students with the basics in dentistry. The skills and courses built into a dental program are configured to provide a framework for entry-level positions in the dental field. Examples include a dental assisting diploma program and a dental lab technician diploma program.

Dental Certificate Programs

A certificate program in the dental field is a one to two-year program providing more depth and breadth than a diploma program yet less than an associate degree for most tracks. There are a number of certificate programs designed for postgraduate students to enhance a masters degree or doctorate degree. In either case, certificate programs can be a great segue into the dental field for many students as well as exceptional add-ons for postgraduate students.

Dental Associate Degree

An associate degree program in the dental field is typically a two-year program designed to provide students with the essential information about a degree program plus general education coursework. Classes a student may take include dental radiology, anatomy, dental materials, radiology, chair-side assisting, and human anatomy & physiology. Associate degrees in dental assisting and dental hygiene can be found at several higher education institutions.

Dental Bachelor’s Degree

The bachelors degree programs in dentistry are more advanced degree programs compared to an associate degree and will last approximately four years. Much like the difference between a certificate program and an associate degree, the difference between a bachelors degree and an associate degree is a step-up across all modalities.

With a more diverse set of general education courses and additional dental core courses, a student enrolled in a dental program to earn a bachelors degree with have exposure to a wide variety of courses. A sampling of courses in the dental field may include dental law, periodontics, dental practice management, clinical research, and pharmacology.

For professional development purposes, it is important to note that a bachelor's degree is often times a company requirement for professionals seeking to step into a managerial capacity in the dental field.

Master’s Degree in Dentistry

The master's degree program in dental hygiene is a twenty-four-month program for qualified students after earning a bachelors. While not a mainstream degree program, master's in dentistry offer student high-level courses with access to top-tier professors.

Students will quickly find out master's degrees in dentistry are steeped in empirical research and dental best practices. Classes in the MSDH degree will generally include grant writing, leadership, epidemiology, teaching dental hygiene, and health research.

Doctorate Degrees in Dentistry

A student seeking a doctorate track will end up earning either a DDS or DDM upon successful program completion. What is the difference between a DDS and DDM? A DDS is a Doctor in Dental Surgery while a DDM is a Doctor in Dental Medicine. Both a DDM and a DDS are seen as equivalent degrees.

Given the fact that the curriculum and awards conferred are equivalent to one another, the ultimate designation of DDM or DDS is up to the university or college. A sampling of doctorate courses may include the following: radiographic occlusion, head & neck anatomy, biostatistics in dentistry, oral microbiology, and advanced periodontics.

Online Dental Programs

Online dental programs that lead to a diploma, certificate, or degree have been rapidly expanding across the country.  With their popularity and acceptance gain traction in the marketplace, it is important to remind students to get matched with CODA accredited schools.  Find dental schools near you by utilizing our proprietary matching tools today.

Prior to applying to an online college or university program, assess your schedule, learning style, and motivation.  Online courses offer flexibility to complete courses on your schedule not bound by a traditional classroom time and spaces but require students to be highly motivated and focused to keep on pace.

For additional information on online college degree and diploma programs, visit our advice articles listed below.  The extra information and research are typically well worth the investment of time to ensure your learning style and focus align with the educational offerings from a college or university.

  1. Are Online College Degree Programs Right for Me?
  2. Unique Aspects of Taking Online College Courses
  3. Benefits of Earning a College Degree Online
  4. How to Make Online College More Affordable
  5. Is an Online College or Traditional College Setting Best for You?
  6. Which Type of Online Degree or Credential is Right for You?

Best Jobs in Dentistry?

Dentistry is an ever-growing field as a number of national factors coalesce together. From demographics (growing, aging population) to healthcare access (access to quality coverage) to technology advancements (cleanings, problem detection), the dental field has continued to grow at an above-average pace and expected to grow at approximately 18% over the next decade. For comparison, the composite average job growth for all occupations during the same timeframe is 7% thus making the dental field an exciting vocational opportunity.

Popular Dental Careers

The job types and specialties in dentistry range from surgical to assisting in nature. While not intended to be inclusive of every type of dental job, the following list can be used as a primer to understand the breadth of the dental field. The list of jobs available in the dental field include:

  • General Dentists
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • Orthodontists
  • Endodontics
  • Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Dental Public Health
  • Prosthodontists
  • Dental Assistants
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Dental Laboratory Technicians
  • Oral Medicine
  • Forensic Odontology
  • Geriatric Dentistry
  • Special Needs Dentistry
  • Veterinary Dentistry
  • Oral Biology
  • Periodontics
  • Oral Implantology
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral Surgery

Dental Careers & Job Outlook

Dentists are always in high demand, and as such job growth is expected to increase at approximately 18% over the next decade, particularly as population ages and healthcare becomes more commonplace. As a comparison, the average for all occupations in the United States during this same time frame is 7% putting the demand for dental professionals in perspective. Oral health is important in overall health, and as this becomes more commonly accepted, the field is expected to continue its growth trajectory.

The median annual income for dental professionals according to the BLS is listed below. Use this guide as a starting point for additional research to help you determine a career path and the best vocation for you.

  • Dentists Salary $158,120
  • Hygienists Salary $72,330
  • Dental Assistants Salary $35,980
  • Laboratory Technicians Salary $33,950

For additional information on a future in the dentistry field, read our comprehensive dental career guide on our blog which includes job duties, common treatments, educational requirements, dental specialties, and job outlook information for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians.

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