Pediatric Dentists

Employers

Approximately 155,000 dentists are employed in the United States. Nearly all pediatric dentists 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.

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 also choose to work in hospitals, clinics, or schools. For some, work in a dental laboratory or teaching dentistry will provide a satisfying career.

Dental associations often provide job leads. For example, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers job listings at its Web site, https://jobs.aapd.org.