Completing dental school is a monumental accomplishment, but after the excitement and relief wears off (usually shortly after seeing your student loan bill). You may ask yourself what to do next — and how to start paying off those loans.
Recent dental school graduates earn a median annual salary of $130,000 according to the ADA. Pretty nice, considering the entry level salaries of other jobs with a similar level of education is typically much lower.
| Job Title | Entry Level Salary |
| Dentist | $130,000 |
| Podiatrist | $109,419 |
| Optometrist | $100,914 |
| Physician Assistant | $99,667 |
After graduating dental school, the next major step in your career is deciding whether to begin practicing as a general dentist, or staying in school to become a specialist.
Dentist Specialties and Career Options
Becoming a specialist requires more education, and that doesn’t come cheap. Many students choose to begin practicing general dentistry immediately after graduation so they can earn money right away. Since even entry-level dentists usually earn six figures, the appeal of being able to finally feel like you belong in Whole Foods can be irresistable.
However, if you have patience and inclination, the lifetime earnings for many specialties are considerably higher than for general dentistry. There are currently 12 dental specialties recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Average Salary $307,999)
One of the highest paid dentist specialties, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required to complete a rigorous surgical residency. Completing a residency program takes an additional four to six years of training, which is something to think about when you’re trying to work out how long it will take to join a yacht club.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (Average Salary $292,662)
Orthodontists make nearly as much, on average, as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, but their residency program is much shorter - about two to three years. If you are looking to maximize your salary in the shortest amount of time, or if you don’t have the steadiest hands (and don’t mind working with kids), orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics might be a good option for you.
Endodontics (Average Salary $289,656)
A brand new option, endodontics was officially recognized as a specialty in April of 2021. Endodontists perform a lot of root canals, and are adept at diagnosing and treating tooth pain. If you are detail-oriented and like solving problems (and using cool specialty equipment, like dental operating microscopes), you may enjoy endodontics.
Periodontics (Average Salary $247,541)
If you enjoy counseling patients, and naturally want to help them feel better about themselves and improve their lives, periodontics should be on your list of options. Since gum disease is typically caused by lifestyle choices such as using tobacco products, hygiene or diet, periodontists need to be understanding and empathetic when interacting with their patients. Another reason why many periodontists choose the profession is due to a special interest in immunology or microbiology.
Dental Anesthesiology (Average Salary $246,617)
Dental anesthesiologists specialize in the anesthesia and pain management of dental procedures. With a relatively short two year residency, dental anesthesiology should only be considered if you are comfortable with interacting with all patients, including children and patients with special needs. Another major perk to dental anesthesiology is if you have a sensitive nose, you will not need to endure as many smells as some other options.
Pediatric Dentistry (Average Salary $241,574)
Pediatric dentistry requires a patient and warm personality. If the thought of having to keep a child calm and still while performing a procedure sounds like a nightmare you would have before a final exam, you may want to consider other specialties.
Prosthodontics (Average Salary $225,023)
Prosthodontists are typically creative, and are able to visualize how a patient will look after a procedure to choose the most aesthetically pleasing option. If you love a good makeover, you would probably enjoy working in prosthodontics.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (Average Salary $194,377)
Oral and maxillofacial pathologists typically choose their career path because they are passionate about research and learning more about uncommon conditions. Many oral and maxillofacial pathologists remain in academia for their entire career.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (Average Salary $158,584)
Oral and maxillofacial radiologists study and interpret radiographic images, which means you would have more of a hands-off role with patients. You might enjoy oral and maxillofacial radiology if you love technology, evaluating X-rays, and problem solving.
Dental Public Health (Average Salary $134,000)
If you are excited about the opportunity to serve your community, you may want to pursue a career in dental public health. If you love to organize activities and outreach, you may find your passion in dental public health.
Oral Medicine (Average Salary $117,146)
Officially recognized as a specialty in September of 2020, oral medicine focuses on the medical needs and oral health of medically complex patients, as well as diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions related to dentistry.
Orofacial Pain (too new to determine Average Salary)
Another new specialty, orofacial pain dentistry includes the diagnosis, treatment, and pain management of pain disorders relating to dentistry. If you like helping to diagnose difficult cases, and have an interest in the way muscles, nerves, and joints work together, orofacial pain is a specialty that may appeal to you.
Practice Settings for a First Year Dentist
Whether you decide to become a specialist, or stick with general dentistry, you will need to choose where you want to begin your career. There are three basic options for entry-level dentists: taking a job in corporate dentistry (DSO), joining an associateship with an established private practice, or opening your own practice. This can be a difficult decision, with significant pros and cons to each option, so take your time when choosing the best path for you.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Much of your decision on how to proceed with your career may come down to how much you have put away in savings, and how much debt you have. Student loans for dental school can be very expensive, often reaching six figures (or one brand new Porsche), and benefit packages may be more valuable than a higher salary in some cases. It is important to really dig into the details of what each position offers before making a final decision.
SS White Dental
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SS White Dental has a hard-earned reputation for creating innovative products that encourage efficiency and improve patient outcomes, which accelerates the growth of your practice. New graduates and seasoned practitioners alike love our specialty products and procedure kits. If you have a question, concern, or need to find a distributor in your area, contact us. We are happy to help!
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