According to the American Dental Association, the COVID-19 pandemic caused about 76 percent of dentist offices to close to all but emergency services. Now that restrictions are easing and growth is starting again in the dental industry, dentists across America are beginning to get back to work – or to begin their dentistry careers for the first time. Dentist recruiting services can help you find an employer that best suits your needs, regardless of where you are in your career as a dentist.
The Dental Industry Employment Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the dental industry will experience a three percent growth between 2019 and 2029. As the baby-boomer generation ages, the demand for dental services will rise. This means that there are more opportunities for dentists, especially dental specialists.
What Does a Dentist Do?
The dental industry is just as important as the health industry. Routine dental visits are a vital part of maintaining oral health. Dentists treat and diagnose problems related to a patient’s gums, teeth, and related areas of their mouth.
While the work that a dentist performs each day can vary by specialty and workplace, dentists commonly perform the following tasks:
- Remove tooth decay
- Fill cavities
- Apply whitening agents or sealants on teeth
- Administer local anesthetics to prevent pain during dental procedures
- Make a diagnosis after reviewing x-rays of the gums, jaw, teeth, and other nearby areas
- Prescribe medication or antibiotics as needed
- Educate patients on the importance of oral health and how oral health is impacted by diet, brushing, flossing, fluoride, and other forms of dental care
- Remove or repair damaged teeth
Average Salaries for Dentists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists averaged $164,010 in annual wages in May of 2020. However, some specialties grossed higher incomes. The highest-grossing dentist specialists were orthodontists, prosthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who had average salaries of $208,000 or more annually.
The 3 Steps to Becoming a Dentist
If you’re interested in becoming a dentist with the help of dentist recruiting, here are the three steps that you’ll need to complete.
1. Educational Requirements
The first step in a career as a dentist is education. Aspiring dentists must complete a dental program to earn their DDS or DMD degree. The program must be accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation.
To enroll in a dental program, most students will be required to have already earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Their degree must also include the completion of specific science courses, including chemistry or biology. Dental degree programs consist of both classroom education and clinical experience, where students work with a licensed dentist. The classroom portion of these programs includes coursework in anatomy, local anesthesia, radiology, and periodontics.
2. Training for Dental Specialties
When becoming a dentist, you must determine what type of dentist you would like to be. Most dentists are general practitioners. However, you can complete additional training to work in a specialty, such as becoming an orthodontist or oral surgeon. To be a dental specialist, you will need to complete an additional two- to six-year residency in a program that the Commission of Dental Accreditation recognizes. The length of time of your residency depends on the type of dentist you wish to be. For example, maxillofacial and oral surgeons generally include four to six years of a residency program.
3. State Licensing
Regardless of the type of dentist you wish to be, you will need to become licensed within the state you intend to work in. Every state requires dentists to be licensed by the state, but licensing requirements vary from state to state. These requirements commonly include:
- That you have earned your DMD or DDS degree from an accredited dental program
- That you have passed the National Board Dental Examinations
- That you have passed a regional or state examination
Dentist specialists are also commonly required to have a license for their specialty issued in the state they work in.
Dentist Recruiting with ARTHUR | MARSHALL
ARTHUR | MARSHALL knows how difficult it can be to find the dental job that fits you best. ARTHUR | MARSHALL has provided dentist recruiting services to help thousands of practitioners find work in hospitals, dental offices, clinics, and private practices. Whether you’re looking for a change, fresh out of dental school, or relocating – we can help you find an employer that best suits your needs.
Review dentist job opportunities online here or contact us at 866-414-6077 if you have any questions.
