Salary for a Doctor of Dental Surgery
A Doctor of Dental Surgery degree prepares an individual to work as an oral surgeon, dentist and orthodontist. A Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Science degree is required in all 50 states for licensure to practice dentistry. The degree program is four years and requires a minimum of two or three years of college to enter. Most dental school students have a bachelor's degree before entering dental school, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Oral Surgeons
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The average salary for an oral surgeon with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree is between $100,000 and $250,000, as of December 2010, according to PayScale. Oral surgeons perform surgery on the gums to correct abnormalities, remove wisdom teeth, perform dental implants, treat TMJ, and remove cysts and tumors.
Orthodontist
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An orthodontist must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree to obtain a licensure and practice in all 50 states. An orthodontist uses pressure to straighten teeth with appliances such as braces. The average salary for an orthodontist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree is between $137,500 and $320,000, according to PayScale. Orthodontists may work in a private practice for an employer or be a self-employed professional.
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Dentist
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Dentists evaluate, diagnose and treat conditions of the mouth and teeth. A dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree earns an average salary between $98,891 and $143,712 as of December 2010, according to PayScale. Dentists counsel patients on proper oral hygiene to prevent diseases of the mouth and gums. The treatments a dentist performs include filling cavities, removing tooth decay and repairing damaged, chipped or fractured teeth.
Type of Employer
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Professionals with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree work for private practices, hospitals, government employers or are self-employed. Self-employed professionals earn $132,498, which is the highest median salary with this degree. Those working for a private practice earns a median salary of $122,601, as of December 2010, according to PayScale.
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References
- Photo Credit dentist image by Sandor Kacso from Fotolia.com
