DEDentist
DE
Career

Dentist

By the numbers
Typical pay
$170,950 / yr
Education to start
Doctoral or professional degree
Future demand
+4.1% by 2034
People in this job
124K
Figures shown for ·1 O*NET occupation
The work
Watch · day in the life
A day, hour by hour
08:00
Chart review

Scan today's patient files, X-rays, and notes before the first chair.

08:30
Exams & X-rays

Read films, probe mouths, spot trouble — then map out each treatment plan.

10:00
Fillings & restorations

Drill out decay, pack composites, fit crowns — hands in mouths for hours.

11:30
Judgment call

Dark spot on the X-ray: treat it now, or watch it one more visit?

12:00
Surgical block

Extract a stubborn molar, then walk a nervous patient through a root canal.

13:30
Patient education

Explain the treatment plan clearly — check they actually get it, not just nodding.

14:00
Afternoon patients

Cleanings, fluoride, a bridge fitting — steady procedural work through the afternoon.

16:30
Referral decisions

Decide who needs a specialist and who stays — write the referral letters.

17:00
Admin & close

Sign off on billing, review staff notes, prep charts for tomorrow.

Things you do
  • Drill out decay and fill cavities to save damaged teeth.
  • Read X-rays to spot hidden problems before they get worse.
  • Pull teeth, perform root canals, and do minor mouth surgeries.
  • Calm nervous patients and walk them through scary procedures.
  • Examine mouths and build a treatment plan for each patient.
Decisions you’ll make
  • Is this dark spot on the X-ray a cavity I need to treat, or can we watch it?
  • Is my patient's anxiety bad enough to stop the procedure, or can I talk them through it?
  • Should I refer this patient to a specialist, or can I handle it myself?
  • Is this tooth worth saving, or is pulling it the kinder call?
  • Does this patient actually understand their treatment plan, or are they just nodding along?
Education Pathways · how you get there
100 in 100 went the college route · 0 in 100 found another way in None, typically
Education mapped from O*NET:Dentists, General · 98% related
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