Prosthodontists

SOC code 29-1024 · O*NET-SOC 29-1024.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Prosthodontists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$311,180

a year

Hourly

$149.61

per hour

10th$103,510Median$311,18090th$344,750

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$268,630

$129.15 per hour

Middle 50%

$252,050 – $333,480

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$103,510 – $344,750

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

870

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $103,510; $49.77/hr
25th percentile: $252,050; $121.18/hr
Median percentile: $311,180; $149.61/hr
75th percentile: $333,480; $160.33/hr
90th percentile: $344,750; $165.75/hr

What does a prosthodontist do?

Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Examine patients to diagnose oral health conditions and diseases.
Fit prostheses to patients, making any necessary adjustments and modifications.
Replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures, such as dentures.
Measure and take impressions of patients' jaws and teeth to determine the shape and size of dental prostheses, using face bows, dental articulators, recording devices, and other materials.
Collaborate with general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions to dental and oral health concerns.
Design and fabricate dental prostheses, or supervise dental technicians and laboratory bench workers who construct the devices.
Restore function and aesthetics to traumatic injury survivors, or to individuals with diseases or congenital disabilities.
Repair, reline, or rebase dentures.

How to become a prosthodontist

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training61%
Doctoral Degree36%
Post-Secondary Certificate3%

Common questions

How much does a prosthodontist earn?

The national median is $311,180 a year. The full range runs from $103,510 at the 10th percentile to $344,750 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a prosthodontist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Writing3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Administration and Management3.4/5
English Language3.3/5
Biology3.2/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Psychology3.0/5
Personnel and Human Resources2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.