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.
This is a specialization of
DentistsCareer Overview Video
AI Impact Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 4/6: strong human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
25% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+4% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 24/25
Key Responsibilities
- Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
- Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
- Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
Education & Training
Typical Entry Education
Doctoral degree
Time to Job Ready
6-12 years
Based on Job Zone 5. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.
Technology Skills
Key Abilities
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Find jobs and training programs for dentists, general- Median salary: $166K/year
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Compensation Details
Based on 121,640 employed workers
Also Known As
Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
O*NET Code: 29-1021.00