Dentist

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Dentist

$176,110 · BLS median

A high-autonomy clinical career with a strong path to practice ownership. Top 10% >$337K.

DENTIST 1 Pre-dental 2 Dental school 3 License 4 Practice · $176K 5 Specialize / own
Gold = credential gate. Each turn: more skill → more pay → the next step.
  1. 1
    Pre-dental (bachelor's + DAT)
    A bachelor's with science prereqs + the DAT admission test.
    ◆ GMA Academy — science prep
  2. 2
    Dental school (4 yr)
    A 4-year DDS/DMD program.
    ◆ GMA mentor
  3. 3
    Get licensed
    National + regional board exams and state licensure.
  4. 4
    Practice · $176K
    High-autonomy clinical care; top 10% >$337K.
  5. 5
    Specialize or own a practice
    Ortho/oral surgery specialties, or own your practice.

The flywheel: the DDS/DMD + license opens practice; specialization and owning your own practice each step your income up and your independence with it.