Dentists

Employers

Nearly all of the 160,600 general dentists, including 19,600 specialists, in the United States are in private practice. Of the remainder, about half work in research or teaching, or hold administrative positions in dental schools. Other opportunities for dentists can be found in the armed forces, public health services, hospitals, and clinics.

The expense of pursuing an education in dentistry and setting up a practice is significant, but the rewards can be great. According to the ADA, as of 2009 (the most recent data available) approximately 59 percent of private practitioners worked as solo dentists with the balance working together with one or more dentists.

Starting Out

Once a dentist has graduated from an approved dental school and passed a state licensing examination, there are three common avenues of entry into private practice. A dentist may open a new office, purchase an established practice, or join another dentist or group of dentists to gain further experience. There are, however, other choices for licensed dentists. They may enter the armed forces as commissioned officers (visit https://www.todaysmilitary.com/careers-benefits/careers/dentists for information on a career in the armed forces), or, through civil service procedures, become eligible for work in the U.S. Public Health Service. They may also choose to work in hospitals, clinics, or schools. For some, work in a dental laboratory or teaching dentistry will provide a satisfying career.