Dentistry.

Degree Overview

Dentistry (CIP 51.0401) is a highly respected healthcare profession focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums, oral cavity, and related structures of the head and neck. Dentists play a critical role in overall health, as oral health is closely connected to nutrition, cardiovascular health, speech, confidence, and quality of life. This degree represents one of the most stable, autonomous, and well-compensated clinical careers in healthcare.

For a degree search site, Dentistry stands out as a premier professional pathway that combines science, precision, patient care, and entrepreneurship. It appeals to students who want to become licensed healthcare providers, enjoy hands-on clinical work, and value long-term job security, professional independence, and strong earning potential without pursuing a traditional medical doctor (MD) route.

What Is a Dentistry Degree?

A Dentistry degree leads to a professional doctoral credential—either the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). These degrees are equivalent in scope and licensing requirements. Completion is required to practice as a licensed dentist.

Dentistry is not an undergraduate major alone; it is a graduate-level professional program that follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree with required science prerequisites.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Oral anatomy and physiology
• Diagnosis and treatment of dental disease
• Restorative and preventive dental care
• Patient management and clinical decision-making
• Ethics, professionalism, and practice management

Dental schools offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for licensure as independent oral healthcare providers
• Train clinicians in evidence-based dental practice
• Address public and preventive oral health needs
• Support careers in private practice, public health, or specialization

Graduates must pass national and state licensing exams to practice.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how oral health affects the entire body and how to diagnose, treat, and prevent dental conditions across diverse patient populations. The curriculum is intensive and science-driven, combining classroom instruction with extensive clinical training.

Early coursework emphasizes biomedical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and pathology. As students progress, the focus shifts to hands-on dental procedures, patient diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical care. Students treat real patients under faculty supervision, gaining experience in restorative dentistry, preventive care, and patient communication.

Students also learn infection control, ethics, legal responsibilities, and business fundamentals to prepare for real-world practice.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates of dentistry programs typically develop skills such as:

• Clinical examination and diagnosis—oral health assessment
• Restorative dental procedures—fillings, crowns, and repairs
• Preventive dental care—cleanings, sealants, patient education
• Manual dexterity and precision—fine motor skills
• Patient communication and trust-building—clinical relationships
• Infection control and safety protocols—clinical compliance
• Treatment planning and decision-making—individualized care
• Practice and healthcare management—business fundamentals

These skills support both clinical excellence and professional independence.

Topics You May Explore

Coursework in a dentistry program commonly includes:

• Oral Anatomy and Histology: structure of teeth and tissues
• Dental Materials Science: restorative materials and tools
• Operative and Restorative Dentistry: clinical procedures
• Periodontology: gum and supporting tissue health
• Endodontics: root canal therapy
• Oral Pathology and Diagnosis: disease identification
• Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging: dental X-rays
• Pediatric and Geriatric Dentistry: age-specific care
• Clinical Rotations and Patient Care: supervised practice

Students may also pursue advanced training in specialties such as orthodontics, oral surgery, or prosthodontics.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Dentistry degree prepares graduates for licensed clinical practice. Most dentists work directly with patients, often as practice owners or associates.

Common career paths include:

• General Dentist: primary oral healthcare provider
• Associate Dentist: group or private practices
• Dental Specialist: orthodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon (with residency)
• Public Health Dentist: community or government roles
• Academic or Clinical Educator: teaching and training
• Practice Owner or Healthcare Entrepreneur: private business

Specialization requires additional residency training but significantly increases earning potential.

Where Can You Work?

Licensed dentists work in a variety of healthcare settings:

• Private dental practices
• Group practices and dental service organizations (DSOs)
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Public health clinics and community health centers
• Academic institutions and dental schools
• Military or government healthcare systems

Many dentists enjoy the flexibility of owning or co-owning their practices.

How Much Can You Earn?

Dentistry is one of the highest-paying healthcare professions.

Typical ranges include:

• Newly licensed dentists: often $120,000–$150,000
• Experienced general dentists: commonly $160,000–$220,000
• Specialists or successful practice owners: can exceed $250,000–$400,000+

Income varies by location, patient volume, specialization, and ownership status.

Is This Degree Hard?

Dentistry is considered academically intense and physically demanding. Students must master advanced science coursework while developing exceptional manual dexterity and endurance. Dental school is highly competitive, with long hours in labs and clinics.

The challenge lies in balancing scientific rigor, technical precision, and patient care responsibilities.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Want to become a licensed healthcare professional
• Enjoy hands-on, detail-oriented work
• Are strong in science and problem-solving
• Value professional autonomy and income stability
• Want long-term career security and growth

How to Prepare in High School and College

To prepare for dentistry:

• Take biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy courses
• Maintain a strong GPA and science foundation
• Develop fine motor skills and attention to detail
• Shadow licensed dentists to understand daily practice
• Complete required pre-dental prerequisites and entrance exams

Dentistry (CIP 51.0401) is a prestigious and impactful healthcare profession that blends science, precision, and patient care. It offers exceptional earning potential, professional independence, and the ability to improve lives through better oral health. For students willing to commit to rigorous training and lifelong learning, dentistry provides a stable, respected, and deeply rewarding path within modern healthcare.