Careers in Dentistry
Careers in Dentistry
Selecting a career path is one of the most challenging decisions you will make. One of the benefits of considering a career in dental care is that you have several options – from how much education you wish to obtain to what schedule you’d like to work. The dental team typically consists of dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Click on any one of those listed below for lots more information, including educational programs in Minnesota.
A Rewarding Career
Why consider a career in dentistry? Ask a member of the Minnesota Dental Association and he or she will likely tell you that it is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to serve people by improving their oral health and, often, the way they feel about their smile. Dentist Dr. John Nei said it is the “melding of the healing sciences, with a bit of artistic flair” that makes his career choice fulfilling on a day-to-day basis.
Market Demand
Another important reason to consider a career in dentistry is market demand. There is a need for all members of the dental care team in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Dentist Workforce Reports show that a large percentage of Minnesota’s dentists are over 55 years old, which can take precedence to retirement within 10 years, creating job opportunities.
There is also a high demand for dental professionals in rural Minnesota. Here are MDH maps of Health Professional Shortage Areas.
This website will give you access to a wealth of information about each type of dental professional, as well as links to additional resources. For further assistance, contact the MDA office at 612-767-8400 or 800-950-3368.
Careers at a glance
Projected job growth: 5% by 2033
Typical Education Needed: Doctoral or Professional Degree
Annual Mean Wage in MN: $192,940/yr
Common Duties:
- Diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
Projected job growth:
N/A
Typical Education Needed: Certificate post Bachelor’s degree; Master’s Degree
Average Annual Salary in MN: *$39-$43/hr
(2023 Northwest Dentistry)
Common Duties:
- Work under the supervision of a dentist.
- Provide preventive and routine dental care, including exams, filling cavities, educating patients about oral health, cleaning teeth, placing temporary crowns, and performing extractions.
Projected job growth: 9% by 2033
Typical Education Needed: Associate’s in science (AS) and/or Bachelors of Science (BS)
Annual Mean Wage in MN: $90,140/yr
Common Duties:
- Examine patients for signs of oral diseases.
- Provide preventive and therapeutic care and treatment.
- Provide oral health instructions & educating patients.
Projected job growth: 8% by 2033
Typical Education Needed: Registration; Certificate & Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Annual Mean Wage in MN: $62,760/yr
Common Duties:
- Perform various clinical duties under the direction of a dentist
- Assisting dentist during treatment
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by the dentist.
- And more!
Dental Careers
Dentistry is a rewarding career that allows you to improve people’s health by providing a range of care – from preventing oral health problems to diagnosing disease and surgical restoration.
A dental therapist is a licensed oral health professional who practices as part of the dental team to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic patient services.
Dental Hygienist
A career as a dental hygienist offers a wide range of challenges. In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients and working with people is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this career.
Dental Assistant
The duties of a dental assistant are among the most varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many patient procedures requiring both interpersonal and technical clinical skills, such as taking and developing x-rays and placing dental sealants.
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