While a visit to the dentist is no picnic for most patients, dentists generally enjoy immense satisfaction with their career. This is particularly true for those dentists who choose to specialize in a particular practice area like endodontics. The endodontist salary is one of the main reasons dentists choose this specialization. However, an endodontist job description is another excellent reason to seek this employment.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialized field that focuses on the inner tissues of the teeth. The endodontist bases their practice on performing root canal procedures. The endodontics definition also has to include procedures in which cracked teeth and dental trauma are repaired. An endodontist is particularly skilled at dealing with the pulp of the tooth. The pulp consists of the lymphatic tissue, nerves, and arterioles.
How to Become an Endodontist
The road to becoming an endodontist is long. For most students it begins with pursuing a four year bachelor’s degree. Students with an interest in dentistry are often drawn to the field by the attractive dentist salary. Because an endodontist salary is typically even higher this specialization becomes a popular option.
Most students who eventually enroll in dental school begin their journey by getting a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field. Common majors are biology and chemistry, though students have chosen other concentrations and still gone to dental school. Regardless of their major the student who envisions a future as a dentist should concentrate their studies in certain courses such as:
- Health
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
Once the bachelor’s degree is obtained the student must begin applying to dental colleges. Competition to gain admittance to one of the programs that is accredited by the American Dental Association is fierce. Consequently, students who want to become dentists and specialize in endodontics should be prepared to show proof of high grades and glowing recommendations from teachers and advisers.
Each student must also successfully complete the Dental Admissions Test or DAT. Higher scores on this test can mean the difference between being accepted by a prestigious program and being turned away.
Dental school typically requires four years for completion. In the first two years of the program the student’s education will focus on classroom and laboratory work. During this time the student is likely to encounter courses that introduce them to subjects like:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Laboratory techniques
The last two years of dental college will have the student beginning their practical experience by working on patients at clinics under the supervision of licensed dentists.
At the successful completion of the program the student is awarded either the Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Then they must complete written and practical examinations before becoming licensed to practice in their state.
The dental student that hopes to earn an endodontist salary must continue their education for two to three more years. During this time they will focus primarily on their specialization. Once this additional education is complete many students find it helpful to seek certification by the American Board of Endodontists. Other students may choose to specialize in other dentistry areas like oral surgery. The oral surgeon salary is comparative to that of the endodontist, making both of these options solid choices for future earnings.
Where do Endodontists Work?
Like most dentists who are in general practice an endodontist most often works in private practice. Typically they are a sole practitioner, but some endodontists form partnerships with other endodontists or general practitioners to provide a wider variety of services.
The endodontist salary accounts for more than just procedures performed for patients. The endodontists in private practice often wears many hats. They may handle bookkeeping and human resources issues themselves. They can also be in charge of advertising and promotion of the practice. As the practice grows and becomes more established the endodontist is likely to hire other personnel, like an office manager, who can handle many of these tasks for them.
What is the Average Endodontist Salary?
The practice income for most dentists in general practice is attractively high. When the dentist also chooses to specialize the average salaries skyrocket. Survey data suggests that the endodontist wages typically range from $65,000 a year to about $400,000 annually. These numbers will vary based on a number of different factors. Chief among them is the level of experience of the endodontist. A new practitioner who recently graduated and received licensure is likely to command a smaller salary range than a practitioner with a well established practice who is far more likely to earn several hundred thousands of dollars each year.
The salary will also vary depending upon how many hours the dental professional chooses to work. A new endodontist tends to work longer hours than one who is nearing retirement age. Still, many endodontists love their work and continue to carry on a practice long after the usual retirement age.
Endodontist Salary – Is It Worth It?
Considering the attractive salary range typically seen by these dental health professionals the many years of education and training are definitely worth it. Endodontists provide an essential service to patients who are in pain and require relief. This ability to assist others in a meaningful way is one of the main reasons most dentists choose to specialize. The lifestyle afforded by an endodontist salary is one of the many perks.