Pediatric Dentists
Overview
Introduction
Pediatric, or pedodonic dentistry, is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health and maintenance of young patients, age one to adolescence. Pediatric dentists help prevent and treat caries (cavities) and other oral disease; promote good oral health; and educate young patients and their families of the importance of good oral habits. Pediatric dentists also treat children with special needs. Pediatric dentists work in private offices, clinics, and hospitals. Approximately 155,000 dentists are employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Pediatric dentists are specialists and therefore generally earn more than general practice dentists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the May 2018 median annual salary for "dentists, all other specialists" was $178,800 with the lowest 10 percent earning $87,250. Salaries for experienced pediatric dentists in large, urban areas can exceed $200,000.
Benefits for salaried pediat...
Work Environment
Most pediatric dentists work in private practice, either solo or as part of a group. They work a 40-hour week, with some evening and weekend hours to accommodate patients.
Pediatric dentists work in comfortable, well-lit offices, many times decorated in bright colors or child-friendly themes as a nod to their young clientele. Pediatric dental offices generally furnish an examining room w...
Outlook
Employment of dentists, including pediatric dentists, is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Many positions will open as a result of the need to replace the large number of dentists who reach retirement age or who choose to stay in practice while reducing their office hours. The aging baby-boom population is expec...