Salary

There are a variety of professions related to the field of Dentistry and each have their own set of skills and benefits that come with the job. These jobs have a varying degree of pay, as well as a wide range of educational options and degree programs. If you are interested in working in the field of Dentistry, then this brief rundown might help you decide which path you would like to take.

According to Salary Survey Reports the average annual salary for a Dentist is as follows:

- 1 year or less $97,000

- 1 to 4 years $101,000

- 5 to 9 years $119,000

- 10 to 19 years $121,000

- 20+ years $130,000

These are very good salaries, but there is a drawback. To become a Dentist you must have at least two years of pre-dental college education prior to dental school. After that you are looking at another four years of dental school, which is very specific to your field, and these schools are very keen on who they let in and who they let graduate. Then you must you must pass a written and practical exam, in all 50 states before you can get a general dentistry license. If you want to specialize in a certain field of dentistry, then you are looking at another 2 or 3 years. This totals a minimum seven years of education and up to ten years for specialists.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average pay rate for a Dental Hygienist is $30 hourly. The middle 50% earned between $25 and $35 hourly. While the bottom 10% earned as little as $19 hourly, and the top 10% earning up to $42 hourly or more. Of course, these are averages. The pay could be lower or higher depending on experience, location, and demand in certain areas for Dental Hygienists. To become a Dental Hygienist a person must have a High School Diploma/G.E.D. and decent college entrance exams. Some programs require one year of college to study for Dental Hygiene. Most Dental Hygiene programs offer associates, bachelors, or even a master's degree. Some programs offer a certificate, but not many compared with a degree program. After completing school, Dental Hygienists must then become licensed in the state they are going to practice in. They do this by passing a written and clinical exam.

According to the same source, the average pay rate for a Dental Assistant is $14.50 hourly. The middle 50% earned between $12 and $17.50 hourly, while the lower 10% earned $10 hourly, and the highest 10% earning around $21 hourly. These numbers of course can be determined by location, experience, and demand for this position in the area you wish to work. Your pay could be lower or higher depending on these factors. Education for a Dental Hygienist is comparatively easy to becoming a Dentist, or a Dental Hygienist.

Many Dental Assistants learn through on the job training in dental offices, though an increasing amount of junior and community colleges, trade schools, and technology schools are now offering Dental Assistant programs. Most programs can be completed in a year or less for a certificate. At the junior or community college level you can obtain an Associate's degree in two years or less. Some states require that a license be obtained, by a written and clinical exam, but more often than not, it is not required. Check your state laws and go from there.