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The differences between general dentists and orthodontists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an orthodontist has an average salary of $215,333, which is higher than the $147,636 average annual salary of a general dentist.
The top three skills for a general dentist include patients, patient care and treatment planning. The most important skills for an orthodontist are patients, diagnosis, and OSHA.
| General Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Yearly salary | $147,636 | $215,333 |
| Hourly rate | $70.98 | $103.53 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 48,612 | 18,456 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 29% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
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.
General dentists and orthodontists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| General Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Average salary | $147,636 | $215,333 |
| Salary range | Between $99,000 And $219,000 | Between $121,000 And $381,000 |
| Highest paying City | Haverhill, MA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Berkshire | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist in terms of educational background:
| General Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 29% |
| Most common major | Advanced Dentistry And Oral Sciences | Advanced Dentistry And Oral Sciences |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between general dentists' and orthodontists' demographics:
| General Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5% | Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 23.4% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 17.6% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |