What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, provide preventive care, and educate patients on oral hygiene. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine x-rays, apply sealants, straighten teeth, perform surgeries, and treat gum diseases. Dentists also prescribe medications and administer anesthesia. Most are general practitioners, but some specialize in areas like orthodontics or periodontics. Dental specialties include: orthodontics (treatment of abnormalities in teeth and jaws using devices such as braces and retainers); oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgical procedures on jaws or mouth); pediatric dentistry (oral health care for children and adolescents); periodontics (treatment of disease of the gums and bones which support the teeth); and public health dentistry (promoting oral health through organized community efforts). Dentists usually employ and work with dental hygienists and dental assistants.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Most dentists work in private group or solo practices, while some are employed in clinics, hospitals, or academic settings.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
General Dentists
Median annual salary: $162,680
Entry-level annual salary: $70,373
Specialty Dentists
Median annual salary: $228,897
Entry-level annual salary: $107,220
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
General dentists are expected to grow statewide by 20% between 2022 and 2032, with 413 average annual openings. Specialty dentists are expected to grow statewide by 19% between 2022 and 2032, with 16 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Dental education programs last 4 years, with 2 years of classroom and lab instruction followed by 2 years of supervised clinical experience. Many graduates opt for additional 1 or 2 year residency programs. Aspiring dentists generally need a bachelor’s degree, and are encouraged to study biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and physics. Some dental programs may accept candidates without bachelor’s degrees with certain grade point averages and a minimum number of credits completed. Dental candidates must also take the Dental Admission Test.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
Dentists who practice in New York State must be licensed and have graduated from an accredited dental education program and passed the National Board Dental Examination. New York State also requires one year of dental residency for licensure. Continuing education is also required for active dentists to maintain licensure. Dentists can also get a certificate to administer general anesthesia, parenteral conscious sedation, or enteral conscious sedation.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department:
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Dental Education Association:
National Dental Association Foundation: https://ndafoundation.org/dental-scholarships.html
American Student Dental Association: https://www.asdanet.org/index/dental-student-resources/scholarships
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University at Buffalo SUNY | DDS | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Touro University | DDS | Hawthorne | Hudson Valley | Visit |
Stony Brook University SUNY | DDS | Stony Brook | Long Island | Visit |
New York University | DDS | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Columbia University | DDS | New York City | New York City | Visit |