Aptly
Careers · Healthcare practitioners and technical

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists are dental specialists who design and fit artificial replacements for teeth and oral structures. They diagnose conditions affecting teeth and jaw function, then create prostheses like crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore appearance and function. They work in private dental offices, hospitals, and specialty clinics.

$311,180median pay, U.S., per year
$252,050–$333,480middle half earn
870employed in the U.S.
Docttypical education · 97% hold a bachelor’s or higher
LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves patient consultations to assess tooth loss or damage, taking impressions and measurements for custom prostheses, and fitting completed dental devices. Prosthodontists spend time in clinical settings examining patients, in labs collaborating with technicians on design details, and reviewing treatment plans. They also manage follow-up care to adjust prostheses and ensure proper function.

Who this work suits

Realistic
86Investigative
76Social
60Conventional
37Artistic
13Enterprising
7

Holland code RIS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to be drawn to hands-on problem-solving with tangible results and enjoy understanding how biological systems work. You're methodical about investigating patient needs and designing precise solutions, and you're comfortable with the extended education required to master this specialized field.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.

Skills that matter most

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessWriting

Knowledge areas

Medicine and DentistryCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageBiologyEducation and Training

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

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Four short assessments and your background, scored against prosthodontists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 29-1024.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.