Career Options After Dental School
Career Options
The ADA can help you navigate your dental career options. Take a look at these helpful resources:
Careers in Dentistry Infopak
Whether you want to work as a traditional “wet finger” dentist in private practice, or seek a different career path, you’ll find information on the options in this publication.
Finding an Associateship or Other Opportunity
Networking with other dentists is a great approach — attend a meeting of your Component (local) or Constituent (state) dental society. Many state and local societies also publish opportunities in their journals or web pages. Ask dental practice consultants, appraisers and brokers for suggestions of area dentists who may be seeking an associate—you can find directories of these professionals here.
JADA has online classified ads—search the classifieds here.
Associateships Infopak
If you choose to enter into an associateship you aren't alone; as many as two out of three recent graduates seek associateships as employment after graduation. They have found that associateships can be an attractive career option, especially while coping with significant dental education debt.
- Associateships Infopak (PDF)
Postdoctoral Education
Advanced Dental Education Resources
Visit the Understanding Advanced Dental Education area to learn more about the many options for dentists who wish to continue their education. When it's time to apply, be sure to use our Advanced Education Application Checklist and Advanced Education Application Finance Worksheet to stay organized.
ADA Catalog
The ADA Catalog offers a number of practice management resources for new dentists, such as:
- Associateships: A Guide for Owners and Prospective Associates (Item J045)
- Practice Options for the New Dentist (Item J088)
Alternatives to a Traditional Dental Career
Many dentists consider career changes after they begin private practice for a variety of reasons including disability, stress and burn-out or dissatisfaction. Some dentists simply prefer to pursue non-clinical career opportunities.
