Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly specialized dental professionals who diagnose and treat complex dental, jaw and facial problems. From correcting cleft paddles to reconstructing misaligned jaws, these professionals perform a variety of surgeries to help patients. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in diagnosing and treating tooth pain caused by a problem inside the tooth pulp. They perform root canal treatments and other procedures to save and restore teeth, rather than removing and replacing the tooth.
An endodontic assistant works with an endodontist to help with their practice and procedures. Responsibilities may include scheduling patient appointments, performing x-rays, and helping before, during, and after a root canal. The American Association of Endodontists notes that endodontists perform a greater number of root canal procedures than general dentists. Pediatric dentists focus on teaching their patients and families about proper oral health and the importance of preventing tooth decay through daily tooth care.
Dentistry is considered less competitive due to the high cost of education and the duration of training. Experience, industry, specialization, education, and employer are important factors that determine how much a dentist earns. The best cities for dentists are in the Northeast while most of the best cities for dental hygienists are located on the West Coast. As a dentist with a private practice, you also have important administrative tasks such as hiring and training new employees, taking care of your office's budget and tax documentation, and ensuring that the company complies with all federal and state laws.
A dental laboratory technician assists the dentist in selecting the materials to use for corrective devices or treatments. Research shows that Americans take their oral health more seriously than they used to, leading to an increase in people visiting the dentist on a consistent basis. After graduating from dental school, you may need to go through a general dentist residency program depending on your state's policies. If you're looking for an estimate of what the highest-paid dentist makes, visit the Indeed Salary Calculator for a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry, and experience.
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