What Dentists, General do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Dentists, General this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures"; "Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments"; "Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue"; "Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services"; "Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree.
Job outlook for Dentists, General
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 141,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 150,000 in 2035, an increase of 8,100 jobs (+5.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 3.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 12.4% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $170,950, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Dentists, General earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $182,578 in New Jersey to $187,132 in New York, a gap of $4,554 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $170,950 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 10,440, which is 52.9% of the 19,750 counted across them. New York follows with 9,310.
Highest-paying states
New York ($187,132) and New Jersey ($182,578) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($182,578) and New York ($187,132) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Dentists, General
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-1000) include Anesthesiologists, General Internal Medicine Physicians, Pharmacists and Physician Assistants.
Frequently asked questions about Dentists, General
How much do Dentists, General earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $170,950. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $182,578 to $187,132.
Which state pays Dentists, General the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $187,132. New Jersey is next at $182,578.
Is Dentists, General a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,200 openings a year.
What education do Dentists, General need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree, according to BLS.