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The differences between pediatric 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 $166,900 average annual salary of a pediatric dentist.
The top three skills for a pediatric dentist include patients, patient care and diagnosis. The most important skills for an orthodontist are patients, diagnosis, and OSHA.
| Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Yearly salary | $166,900 | $215,333 |
| Hourly rate | $80.24 | $103.53 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 30,550 | 18,456 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 29% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A pediatric dentist is responsible for taking care of children and infant's dental needs and concerns. Pediatric dentists maintain the patients' oral health, monitor their conditions, and schedule regular dental checkups. They also inspect and diagnose early dental problems and perform dental operations according to the patients' problem areas. A pediatric dentist must have excellent knowledge of the dental practices and processes, as well as having excellent communication skills to advise the children's parents and guardians of dental health techniques.
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.
Pediatric dentists and orthodontists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Average salary | $166,900 | $215,333 |
| Salary range | Between $99,000 And $280,000 | Between $121,000 And $381,000 |
| Highest paying City | Danbury, CT | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Arthur's Enterprises, Inc. | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist in terms of educational background:
| Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | 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 pediatric dentists' and orthodontists' demographics:
| Pediatric Dentist | Orthodontist | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 25.4% Female, 74.6% | Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 17.6% White, 66.8% 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% |