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Dental Therapists

Overview

Dental therapists are licensed oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic patient services. They are hired and supervised by dentists. Therapists perform tasks such as polishing teeth, filling cavities, replacing crowns, extracting baby teeth, taking X-rays, administering local anesthetic, repairing dental prosthetics, making mouthguards, and providing oral care advice to patients. They are typically employed in settings that serve low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations or in a dental health professional shortage area.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $75,000

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Faster than the Average
Personality Traits

Hands On

Helpful

Problem-Solving

Career Ladder
Dentist or Dental Educator

Dental Hygienist

Dental Therapist

Dental Assistant

Related Professions