Best dental jobs

The best dental jobs include pediatric dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and public health dentists. Dentistry is the medical field that focuses on the teeth and jaw, meaning you'll spend a lot of time looking at people's teeth. As with all medical careers, it requires extensive education and time in a residency program. There are several different specialties in dentistry, and if you're interested in the field, here are the ten best dental jobs:

1. Pediatric Dentist

   Average Salary: $166,900

2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

3. Public Health Dentist

   Average Salary: $135,273

   Public Health Dentists have a hefty requirement of a master's or bachelor's degree in public health with licensure in dentistry and experience in the field as a prerequisite for this career. In addition, they will need strong skills in communication, manual dexterity, teamwork, and a great deal of patience, stamina for long hours of work, and an approach that is both thorough and methodological. Those who apply for this career will be expected to provide expertise in population-based dentistry, oral health surveillance, disease prevention on a community level, health promotion, and maintenance for the dental safety net.

4. Dental Assistant

   Average Salary: $37,730

   Dental assistants provide patient care, have the ability to take x-rays, blood pressure readings, and help dentists perform treatments and procedures. They also keep patients' dental records, schedule appointments, prepare and maintain materials and equipment. They may conduct tests that are not much complicated and would not require the supervision of a dentist or dental surgeon. They also may administer and dispense medications to patients under the doctor's orders. Most dental assistants work in dentists' offices as full time in dental practice, but they can specialize and get employment in orthodontic or periodontist offices and other practices.

5. General Dentist

   Average Salary: $147,636

   The primary job of general dentists is to diagnose, treat, and manage patients' oral health care needs, including root canals, fillings, and gum care. They are considered as the main dental care providers for both children and adults. General dentists typically perform a few tasks, including performing regular dental examinations and teeth cleanings, ensuring patients receive an appropriate and timely treatment for their dental issues and performing cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding.

6. Dental Hygienist

   Average Salary: $88,432

   Dental hygienists are professionals who provide preventative oral care under a dentist's supervision. They are concerned mostly in treating minor oral health conditions. They clean teeth, examine any signs of damage and oral diseases and provide dental recommendations and after-care treatment. They educate patients with proper oral hygiene and counseling about how good nutrition impacts oral health. They also teach them ways to improve and maintain good oral health.

7. Periodontist

   Average Salary: $227,065

   Periodontists must have a PhD in chemistry, biology, or another health-related field. They also need good interpersonal skills, manual dexterity, stamina, and problem-solving skills. Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, placing dental implants, and treating oral inflammation. They typically earn around $248K per year.

8. Orthodontist

   Average Salary: $215,333

   An orthodontist is responsible for evaluating the dental records, including x-ray and surgery results of a patient, administering medications to treat dental issues and avoid further health complications. Orthodontists perform adjustments on the patients' dental condition, including teeth improvement procedures, by utilizing dental equipment and tools for operations. They inspect the efficiency of the operating equipment and machine, ensuring its stability and top-performance condition by conducting regular maintenance and sterilizing equipment to prevent contamination that may affect dental results.

9. Dental Laboratory Technician

   Average Salary: $55,271

   A dental laboratory technician replaces total or partial natural teeth loss by constructing partial and complete dentures. They restore the natural teeth by fabricating bridges and crowns. These professionals produce removable and fixed devices that assist in correcting dental irregularities. Besides keeping detailed reports, logs, forms, and records to note down actions, dental laboratory technicians also re-design, evaluate, and study processes to enhance care quality. Moreover, dental laboratory technicians keep equipment and supply inventories in working conditions. Also, they follow the right procedures and discretion at all times.

10. Prosthodontist