Pediatric dentists are highly trained professionals who work exclusively with patients from infancy through their teenage years. They attend a four year dental school program and then complete an internship or residency of at least two years. During their residency, these professionals hone their skills in the specialty area of pediatric dentistry. Like all individuals in this profession, pediatric dentist wages are very good. The earnings of pediatric dentists can vary depending on a number of features, discussed below.
How Much Does Pediatric Dentist Make?
The earnings of pediatric dentists can vary greatly depending on the industry in which they work and the geographic location where they are employed. Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for dentists who practice in specialty fields will rise 15 percent over the next decade. This means that professionals considering careers in this area have a very good employment outlook.
Many pediatric dentists choose to work either for themselves or in the private practices of other dentists. These positions have many benefits, including some flexibility in scheduling. In general, the pediatric dentist income for individuals who work in these types of offices is approximately $190,000 per year. While these positions offer the highest earnings for pediatric dentists, it is important to remember that individuals who work in private offices or are self-employed have many overhead costs. They must manage a business on a day-to-day basis, which can be a trying task.
Many individuals in this field choose to work in outpatient care centers, which generally cater to children with moderate to serious dental problems. The average salary of pediatric dentist professionals in this industry is $177,000 per year. These dentists are well-compensated for their service to their young patients and usually enjoy working in fast-paced offices. A handful of pediatric dentists choose to work in federal government facilities and earn approximately $138,000 per year. These professionals receive excellent federal benefits which can substantially offset the difference in salary between the government and private offices.
Other pediatric dentists choose to work in medical and surgical centers, many of which are public facilities. Professionals working in this industry earn an average yearly salary of $99,000. While this may seem like minuscule pay in comparison to that of private dentists, these positions are ideal for newcomers to the field who need to garner job experience in order to land more lucrative positions. Remember that these figures are the nationwide average, and do vary significantly in some areas.
