Which Type Of Dentist Gets Paid The Most? (Specialties In Dentistry)

Any dental student may want to know which type of dentist gets paid the most. When it comes to salaries, various types of specialists earn differently. Additionally, a dentist’s expertise may tell how much a patient may have to pay for their services. A general dentist can provide various dental work and tasks. But, a specific dentist, like an orthodontist, is the only one to administer dentures and braces. Other specializations like pediatric oral healthcare, hygienists, and laboratory technicians may also have other factors for their money payment. Get to know these essential figures in dental care to prepare for your desired path. 

The Demand For More Health Care Practitioners

Dentistry is a growing industry with millions of people needing quality health care. Dental problems can vary, which makes it harder for a general dentist to treat. Hence, a patient should be careful in choosing the best expert for their treatment. It is also vital for upcoming doctors and surgeons to decide what to take after the pre-doctoral degree. Salaries can differ according to what jobs you have chosen for your career. It is a wise decision to visualize plans on how to climb up the working scale.

Which Type of Dentist Gets Paid The Most? 

The average annual salary of many dentists can be very enticing, notably as it is one of the well-paid careers globally. Have you tried asking your local dental clinic about their service fees? You can already guess what their average pay is. Which type of dentist gets paid the most? Health care providers with more years of practising the same specialization may also build up a reputation in the dental industry. 

General Dentist 

A general dentist’s salary gets at least $159,200 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) last May of 2019. General dentists are responsible for the regular checkups, cleaning, and diagnosis of certain dental diseases. Although they have the right training and education, they aren’t qualified to perform surgery unless they become board-certified doctors or surgeons.  

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists are responsible for creating prosthetic appliances, which are above dental laboratory technicians. A prosthodontist is also a specialty doctor with years of residency and training to make the actual prosthetics for patients. An aspiring dental student needs to qualify for workshops, training, and other related requirements to fully understand the concept of prosthodontics. On average, prosthodontics specialists earn up to the amount of $191,400 a year. 

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a specialty dentist who focuses on the restorative treatments for patients with missing, crowded, or crooked teeth. They fit braces, retainers, and other dental appliances as well as a surgeon for malocclusion of teeth. According to the BLS, an orthodontics professional can receive up to $225,760 annually.

Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon who deals with the surgical reconstruction and restoration may be the highest paid dentist around the world. An average annual salary of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon costs $242,370. They are not only dental professionals but also experts in the medical aspect of facial surgery. Many people with traumas, accidents, and severe injuries go to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the total reconstruction of their faces. 

Factors That Affect A Dentist’s Salary

Sometimes, it is not just purely education or professional training that dentists may receive more than their colleagues. Some countries like the US have states with a specific city with more demand than the others. Commercial cities like New York, California, Washington DC may have a higher paygrade according to their state. Nevertheless, statistics show that competition can also increase or decrease the wage of a dentist. The amount of paying for these professionals may depend according to their location and accessibility. Patients who want to save up on their cosmetic, orthodontic, or endodontic procedure can travel to other states and even abroad. Medical and dental tourism is a popular alternative for availing procedures that are not covered by dental health insurance. 

How Do Dentists Qualify For Dentistry Specializations?

A recent graduate from the school of dentistry may want to hone their talents and skills further. Among the many dentistry categories today, it may become tiresome for most general dentists to finish their degrees. A four-year dentistry specialization is required to be completed. Not to mention, residency, training, and private practice may contribute to a total of 8 years or more in this field. You may want to include in your graduation plans to check which area of specialty you want to pursue. There are various benefits that good jobs may offer in the workplace after a specialty.