What can you do with a Dentistry degree?

First, some facts. Of the Dentistry graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 110 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Dentistry graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 66%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 75% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Dentistry graduate.

See the details:

View a random Dentistry graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from kamineni institute of dental sciences with a Bachelor of dental surgery in Dentistry. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Observership
All bright dental PC
Oct 2012 - Mar 2013
The observership at All Bright Dental PC may offer exposure to dental practices, but it does not involve direct patient care or apply the core skills learned in a Bachelor's of Dental Surgery significantly.

Observer
All Bright Dental PC
Jun 2013 - Present
Similar to JOB #0, this observer position provides a learning opportunity in a dental setting but lacks the direct application of dental skills or knowledge that would be expected in a hands-on role.

Volunteer
North Shore-LIJ Health System
Aug 2013 - Present
Volunteering at North Shore-LIJ Health System may provide general healthcare exposure, but it does not specifically require or utilize the dental knowledge and skills obtained from a Bachelor's in Dentistry.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Dentistry degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the job history of individuals who graduated from various dental schools, it's clear that the paths they take after earning their degrees can be quite diverse. Most commonly, we see graduates working as general dentists or in specialized dental roles such as periodontists, dental surgeons, or orthodontists. These positions require a strong application of the skills and knowledge gained during their dentistry education, making them highly relevant to their qualifications. Being a dentist is obviously the most direct route where they utilize everything from diagnosing and treating dental problems to performing intricate procedures. For many, this career provides a fulfilling career path where they can directly impact patients' health and wellbeing.

However, the data also reveals a significant number of individuals veering off into roles that are not closely linked to clinical dentistry. Positions such as research assistants, health consultants, project managers, and roles in public health are quite prevalent. While these jobs may sometimes use transferable skills from their dental education—like critical thinking, data analysis, or patient interactions—they are not primarily focused on dental skills. In fact, many of these positions do not require the specific knowledge gained from dental training, indicating that a degree in dentistry can open doors in various industries beyond traditional practices. This suggests that while their education laid a strong foundation, some graduates opt for broader fields that might align more with personal interests or market opportunities.

Ultimately, while the data suggests a strong presence of dentists within the job roles, there's an equally notable trend of graduates choosing careers where they can use their dental education in more innovative or non-traditional ways. It highlights the versatility of a dentistry degree and the broad scope of opportunities it can lead to, whether in clinical practice or broader health-related fields. The path post-graduation seems to reflect individual passions and changing job markets, making it fascinating to see where their journeys take them.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Dentistry graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Dentistry graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When you look at this list of graduates from various dental colleges, it's clear that people who studied Dentistry tend to have a pretty diverse set of career trajectories. Right after graduation, many start off working in clinical roles like being a general dentist or dental assistant, where they can put their skills into practice almost immediately. This hands-on experience is not just vital for them to build their skills, but it also helps them figure out what part of dentistry they really enjoy.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the paths start to really vary. Some people are sticking to clinical practice and moving up the ranks—becoming heads of clinics, specialists (like orthodontists or periodontists), or even owning their own practices. You have folks transitioning into academia, teaching at dentistry schools, or stepping into research roles. Others seem to pivot completely, finding niches in public health, healthcare consulting, or even moving into business roles. Some graduates who started in clinical settings later transition into roles focused on public health or management, signifying a shift in their career focus.

However, it's worth noting that there’s a significant number of graduates who end up in positions that don't directly relate to clinical dentistry—many taking roles in research, administration, or even fields completely outside dentistry! This could be seen as a sign that not everyone loves the clinical side of things, or maybe those roles are just more appealing or available. It’s a mixed bag for sure, and while many are doing well in dentistry-related careers, others are having to navigate a bit more to find their place—sometimes detouring through research, teaching, or public health before circling back. All in all, Dentistry graduates seem to have a pretty varied landscape ahead of them, with both successful paths and those that might feel like a stretch from their original field of study.

How hard is a Dentistry degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor degree in Dentistry is pretty challenging, probably harder than your average degree. You’re diving into a lot of intense science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy, and then there are all the hands-on clinical skills you need to master. It’s not just about hitting the books; you’ll spend hours practicing techniques and getting comfortable with dental equipment too. Plus, the workload can be heavy, with long hours of studying and practical work. So, if you’re really passionate about it and ready to put in the effort, go for it, but be prepared for some tough times along the way!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Dentistry.

Do Dentistry graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the career trajectories of these dental graduates, it seems like most of them have built a steady ladder toward financially rewarding positions, especially those who pursued higher education and specialized roles. Many started in internships and assistant positions right after graduation but transitioned into more senior roles in consulting, teaching, and clinical positions afterward. The individuals working as general dentists or in other dental specialties likely command decent salaries, especially in urban areas or private practice settings, so there's a good possibility that they’re earning well. However, for those who stayed in research or administrative roles, the pay might not be as high, but they might find satisfaction in their niche.

On the flip side, a few profiles show a lot of short-term positions or a focus on research, which may not translate to high earnings. For instance, those who have volunteer or assistant roles for extended periods might struggle financially early in their careers compared to peers who moved directly into dental practices. Overall, the outlook is positive for most in terms of making decent money, especially if they continue to advance in their specialties or possibly open their own practices one day!

What buzzwords do Dentistry graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Dentistry. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Dentistry?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Dentistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Dentistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count