From hands-on clinical work to behind-the-scenes administration, the dental field offers a wide range of opportunities.

Here’s a complete list of dental jobs—each with a quick explanation of what they do.

Clinical Dental Jobs

1. Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat issues involving teeth, gums, and the mouth. They perform everything from routine exams to fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions.

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2. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, apply fluoride, and educate patients about oral health. They often work independently but under the supervision of a dentist.

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3. Dental Assistant

Dental assistants support the dentist during procedures by passing instruments, taking impressions and X-rays, sterilizing tools, and helping patients feel at ease.

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4. Orthodontist

Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth and aligning jaws using braces, clear aligners, and retainers. They create long-term treatment plans for proper bite and function.

5. Oral Surgeon (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon)

Oral surgeons are specialists who perform surgical procedures like wisdom tooth extraction, jaw realignment, and corrective surgery following trauma or disease.

6. Periodontist

Periodontists are dentists that work on treatment and prevention of gum disease. They may place dental implants and help patients maintain the structures that support the teeth.

7. Endodontist

Endodontists treat the inside of the tooth—specifically the dental pulp and nerves. They perform root canals and other complex procedures to save natural teeth.

8. Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists design and fit artificial teeth replacements, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, and full mouth reconstructions.

9. Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists provide oral care to infants, children, and teens—including kids with special healthcare needs. They create a kid-friendly dental environment.

10. Dental Therapist

Dental therapists are mid-level providers (available in some states) who can perform routine treatments like fillings, sealants, and simple extractions under a dentist’s supervision.

Dental Lab & Technical Roles

11. Dental Lab Technician

Lab techs create custom prosthetics—like crowns, bridges, and dentures—based on molds and impressions from the dentist.

12. Orthodontic Lab Technician

These technicians focus specifically on making orthodontic appliances such as retainers, spacers, and bite plates.

Administrative Dental Jobs

13. Front Office Coordinator

This role handles patient check-in, scheduling, and communications. They're often the first smiling face patients see when they walk through the door.

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14. Dental Office Manager

Office managers oversee daily operations, staff coordination, patient billing, compliance, and performance tracking.

15. Treatment Coordinator

Treatment coordinators in a dental office discuss the treatment plan with patints. They will answer any questions the patient has while explaining the procedure, finances, insurance coverage, and scheduling..

16. Insurance Coordinator

Insurance coordinators assure doctors are paid by insurance companies for the services provided to patients. 

This includes verifying a patient’s coverage, submitting insurance claims, and following up with insurance companies. 

This role may be covered by a dental receptionist or office manager. 

17. Billing Specialist

Billing specialists also make sure the doctor is paid. A billing specialist will manage the coding procedures, track payments, and handle patient accounts receivable.

18. Dental Receptionist

Dental receptionists are the fist people patients interact with in a dental office. They greet patients, answer phones, set appointments, and support front desk operations.

Other Dental Career Opportunities

19. Public Health Dentist

Works with government or nonprofit organizations to improve community dental health through education, prevention, and access programs.

20. Dental Sales Representative

Represents companies that sell dental equipment, tools, software, and supplies to dental practices and hospitals.

21. Dental Consultant

Advises dental practices on improving business operations, marketing, compliance, and patient experience.

22. Dental Instructor / Educator

Teaches dental students in academic or continuing education settings, helping train the next generation of professionals.

23. Dental Insurance Claims Adjuster

Evaluates submitted dental insurance claims, reviewing treatment codes and policy coverage to approve or deny claims.

24. Dental Software Trainer

Specializes in teaching dental teams how to use practice management software for charting, scheduling, and billing.

The dental field is filled with diverse, meaningful career paths—whether you want to work chairside, manage a practice, or help patients from behind the scenes. Whether you're exploring your options or growing your practice team, understanding each role is key to success in dentistry.

Learn more about working in dental care or hiring top talent?

Check out our other resources on dental office staffing or search our dental jobs.

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