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Dentistry

Dentistry graduates pursue 2 occupations, with top roles paying $170,950/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

Explore Program

About Dentistry

Dentistry is a focused area of study within Health. The program is available at 67 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 6,961 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Colleges Offering: 67
Graduates / Year: 6,961
Avg Net Price / yr: $24,417

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 6,961 students who complete Dentistry programs each year, the majority (99%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

99%

Certificate 99%

What Can You Do With a Dentistry Degree?

Dentistry connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Dentist leads at $170,950/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Dentist

$170,950

$126K $224K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 3,900 openings/yr 124K employed nationally

Judgment and Decision Making Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

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.

Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
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.
Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.

↗ +17.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Health Specialties Teachers

$107,310

$76K $210K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 27,400 openings/yr 221K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Critical Thinking Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Dentistry

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Dentistry students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	394	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
2	Tufts University Medford, MA · Nonprofit	239	11.5%	$39,998	$83,214
3	Boston University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	193	11.1%	$24,402	$83,238
4	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	186	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
5	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	184	5.4%	$28,699	$111,371
6	University of the Pacific Stockton, CA · Nonprofit	166	71.3%	$25,447	$78,445
7	Temple University Philadelphia, PA · Public	155	80.4%	$28,198	$63,727
8	University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI · Nonprofit	149	75.4%	$15,232	$71,030
9	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	127	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
10	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	127	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
11	Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL · Nonprofit	127	73.2%	$30,371	$59,209
12	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public	124	79.8%	$16,778	$69,020
13	University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public	121	74.2%	$20,995	$70,814
14	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	120	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
15	University of Louisville Louisville, KY · Public	120	79.4%	$17,988	$53,899
16	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO · Public	119	74.7%	$11,900	$64,270
17	Creighton University Omaha, NE · Nonprofit	118	79.8%	$31,568	$73,911
18	Marquette University Milwaukee, WI · Nonprofit	114	81.3%	$31,487	$78,257
19	University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL · Public	112	77.4%	$10,974	$68,740
20	Touro University New York, NY · Nonprofit	111	60.8%	$29,627	$53,419

View all colleges

Ranked by Dentistry graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Dentistry program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Dentistry degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Dentistry Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Dentistry shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 31,300 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Dentistry Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Dentistry degree?

Dentistry degree holders pursue careers including Dentist, which pays a median of $170,950/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Dentistry program take?

Most Dentistry certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.

How many colleges offer Dentistry?

67 colleges and universities in the United States offer Dentistry programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

What is the difference between Dentistry and Health?

Dentistry is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Dentistry-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Dentistry graduates?

Employers hiring Dentistry graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Dentistry graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Dentistry graduates?

The job outlook for Dentistry graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +10.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.