Description
Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Concern for Others
- Independence
Tasks
- Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
- Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
- Study diagnostic records, such as medical or dental histories, plaster models of the teeth, photos of a patient's face and teeth, and X-rays, to develop patient treatment plans.
- Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
- Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Developing and Building Teams
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Technology Skills
- Office suite software
- Medical software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Development environment software
- Internet browser software
Abilities
- Problem Sensitivity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Deductive Reasoning
- Finger Dexterity
- Inductive Reasoning
Skills
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certification in OrthodonticsCertifying Organization
American Board of Orthodontics
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Board Certified EndodontistCertifying Organization
American Association of Endodontists
Type
Core
Certificate name
Associate Fellow of the AAIDCertifying Organization
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Type
Core
Certificate name
Fellow of the AAIDCertifying Organization
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $116,634 |
| Median (50%) | $205,164 |
| High (90%) | $259,348 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $163,360 |
| Mid Level | $220,756 |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 7,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 7,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 4%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 4%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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