Choosing a career in dentistry means committing years of study and a large investment. Before you take that step, it helps to look at the full picture, including the parts that rarely appear in brochures.
This guide lays out the pros and cons of being a dentist using official data and guidance from professional organizations. You will learn what makes the profession rewarding, which challenges come up often, and how to test your fit before you apply. The goal is to help you answer a common question for yourself: is dentistry a good career for you? There is no single right answer, and your own experiences will help you find yours.
Dentists relieve pain, restore function and help people feel confident about their smiles. The American Dental Education Association lists restoring oral health and transforming patients' lives among the main reasons people choose the field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dentists was $176,110 in May 2025. BLS projects employment of dentists to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 4,800 openings each year.
ADEA notes that dentists can be independent in their careers and maintain a flexible lifestyle. BLS adds that many dentists work less than 40 hours a week, although some work considerably more. BLS also reports that 12 percent of dentists are self-employed.
Dentistry includes general practice, 12 recognized specialties, research, teaching and public health. Our guide to dental specialties shows how varied those options are.
ADEA describes dentistry as a field where you can exercise creativity and work as part of a team. Restoring a tooth is part science and part craft.
Most dentists complete a bachelor's degree and about four years of dental school. Specialists train longer. ADEA notes that both dental school and dental careers are demanding.
Dental school is a major financial commitment. Tuition, fees and living costs add up over four years, and many graduates carry educational debt into their first years of practice. Look at each school's cost of attendance and talk with financial aid offices early.
Dentists work with small tools in tight spaces for long periods. That precision work can be tiring. BLS also notes that dentists wear masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases.
Practice owners manage staff, budgets, records and insurance. BLS lists leadership and organizational skills among the qualities dentists need for this reason. Associate dentists have fewer of these duties, though they still lead a team in each appointment.
Some patients arrive afraid or in significant pain. BLS notes that dentists may work for long periods with patients who need special attention. That takes patience every day.
Lists of pros and cons help, and experience tells you even more. Start by writing down which pros matter most to you and which cons worry you most. Then look for experiences that test those exact points. Try these steps:
A dental service learning trip can also help you see dental care in a new setting. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities. Many students use that time to test their interest before committing to years of training.
The best way to weigh the pros and cons of being a dentist is to spend time around dental teams. If you want to learn alongside dental professionals and partner communities, Smiles Movement can help. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
For many people, yes. BLS data shows strong pay and steady demand, and ADEA highlights patient impact and flexibility. The path is long and costly, so test your interest first.
BLS reports that many dentists work less than 40 hours a week, while some work considerably more. Some work evenings and weekends to meet patients' needs.
It depends on the person. Common challenges include the long education, cost of training, physical demands and managing a practice.