Occupation information for

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.

Currently Employed: 300

Yearly Projected Openings: 10

Typical Hourly Wage: $27.34 - $69.95

Typical Annual Salary: $56,900 - $145,500

• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
• Use masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients 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.
• Use air turbine and hand instruments, dental appliances and surgical implements.
• Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
• Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
• Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.
• Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
• Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.

• Dental elevators
• Dental forceps
• Dental hand pieces or accessories
• Dental probes
• Dental scissors

• Accounting software
• Internet browser software
• Medical software
• Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software