How to become a Prosthodontist
Official title: Prosthodontists
Also called: DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), Dental Science Dr (Dental Science Doctor), Denturist, Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Prosthetic Dentist, Prosthodontist, Reconstructive Dentist, Removable Prosthodontist, Restorative Dentist
Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw.
Main tasks
- Examine patients to diagnose oral health conditions and diseases.
- Fit prostheses to patients, making any necessary adjustments and modifications.
- Replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures, such as dentures.
- Measure and take impressions of patients' jaws and teeth to determine the shape and size of dental prostheses, using face bows, dental articulators, recording devices, and other materials.
- Collaborate with general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions to dental and oral health concerns.
- Design and fabricate dental prostheses, or supervise dental technicians and laboratory bench workers who construct the devices.
- Restore function and aesthetics to traumatic injury survivors, or to individuals with diseases or congenital disabilities.
- Repair, reline, or rebase dentures.
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
- Licence: A licence is required in 46 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $311,180 a year The middle half earn $252,050 to $333,480.
- About 1,000 people work in this job now, and about 1,100 are projected by 2035. (+5.8%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Prosthodontist?
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 Prosthodontist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $311,180 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $252,050 to $333,480.
Is a Prosthodontist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 1,000 to about 1,100 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Prosthodontist?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Prosthodontist?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- 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.