Dentists, General
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Dentists, General to increase by 5.7% between 2024 and 2034, from 141,900 to 150,000 jobs. Its estimate of 4,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($170,950), education (Doctoral or professional degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
141,900
Projected employment (2034)
150,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
6%
Annual openings (projected average)
4,200
Pay & Preparation
$170,950
Doctoral or professional degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Judgment and Decision Making (4.12/5) • Critical Thinking (4.12/5) • Speaking (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Active Listening (4/5) • Monitoring (4/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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