How to become a Dentist or All Other Specialist
Official title: Dentists, All Other Specialists
All dentists not listed separately.
How to become one
Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must graduate from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams.
Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 23 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 47 states.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $224,990 a year The middle half earn $166,130 to $280,590.
- About 5,800 people work in this job now, and about 5,900 are projected by 2035. (+1.3%)
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Dentist or All Other Specialist?
Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must graduate from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams.
How much does a Dentist or All Other Specialist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $224,990 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $166,130 to $280,590.
Is a Dentist or All Other Specialist a growing career in the US?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 5,800 people now and 5,900 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Dentist or All Other Specialist?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.