Posted by Shawn M. Johnson, ChFC®, CLU®, CLTC on Feb 11, 2025 9:50:10 AM
As a dental practice owner, you have numerous responsibilities ranging from maintaining and improving your dental skills to business management. One task that probably falls on your shoulders is hiring the right person for each of the roles in your dental practice.
Let’s take a look at common careers in dentistry:
7 Common Careers in Dentistry
1. Practice Owner & Senior Dentist
The practice owner is often the senior dentist, responsible not only for providing high-quality care but also for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the practice. As the owner, they manage a wide range of business duties, including hiring and training staff, setting office policies, managing finances, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
They must balance clinical responsibilities with the demands of running a business, which can be both rewarding and challenging. Effective leadership is key, as the practice owner shapes the office culture and ensures patient satisfaction.
Owning a practice comes with significant responsibilities, and it’s important to have a well-trained team in place to share the workload. Hiring enough staff to handle patient flow, maintain office efficiency, and manage administrative tasks is essential for avoiding burnout. Many practice owners opt for partnership models, where two or more dentists share ownership and management duties. This can help distribute responsibilities, allowing for a more sustainable business model and enhanced patient care.
2. Associate Dentist
An associate dentist is a fully trained, licensed dentist who works for a practice but does not hold ownership. While they may have the same education and skills as the practice owner, they typically choose not to take on the additional responsibilities of managing the business at this stage of their dentistry career. For many, being an associate provides the opportunity to focus on patient care without the pressures of ownership, allowing them to gain more experience before considering owning a practice themselves.
Associate dentists play a critical role in most dental practices. They perform a wide range of clinical procedures and build relationships with patients. They may become the primary point of contact for patients, interacting regularly with staff and managing their own patient load. For practice owners, having an associate dentist can provide valuable support and help them achieve a better work-life balance.
In some cases, an associate may have the option to transition into a partnership, where they become part-owner of the practice, aligning their interests with the long-term success of the business.
3. Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is responsible for dental cleanings, checking for signs of oral disease, and educating patients on oral hygiene practices. They work closely with dentists to assist in preventive care, such as taking X-rays. To become a hygienist, one typically needs an associate's degree in dental hygiene and state licensure. Ideal traits include strong communication skills, attention to detail, empathy, and a commitment to patient care and health education.
In some practices, hygienists may also perform dental assistant duties, such as sterilizing instruments, setting up treatment areas, or passing instruments during certain procedures.
In 2023, the median pay for a dental hygienist was $87,500.
4. Dental Assistant
A dental assistant supports dentists by preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and assisting during procedures. They may also manage patient records, schedule appointments, and educate patients on oral care. To become a dental assistant, candidates typically complete a formal training program and may need state certification. Key traits include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a patient-focused attitude.
The median pay for a dental assistant is around $46,500.
5. Office Manager
A dental office manager oversees the daily operations of a dental practice, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They may handle various administrative tasks such as managing staff, coordinating schedules, overseeing patient billing, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Office managers also work closely with the dentist to improve patient care and office efficiency. A background in office administration or business management is often required, along with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Attention to detail and the ability to multitask are essential for this role, as it involves managing staff and patient needs.
The pay for an office manager depends on the range of responsibilities assigned.
6. Receptionist
The dental office receptionist is the first point of contact for patients and ensures a smooth patient experience. From appointment scheduling and rescheduling to check-ins and check-outs, the receptionist fills one of the important — if unsung — roles in a dental practice. No specific education is required, but strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
Receptionists must multitask efficiently and be friendly, adaptable, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and customer service skills are also core to success in this position.
The median pay for a receptionist is around $36,000.
7. Marketer
A marketer for a dental practice is responsible for promoting the practice and attracting new patients. They develop marketing strategies, manage social media accounts, create advertising campaigns, and organize community outreach programs. The marketer may also work on the office’s branding and patient retention efforts.
While some may have an in-house marketer, others may not fill this position in their dental office. Instead, some practice owners hire an agency to take on the responsibilities. The pay for dental office marketing depends on whether you have a direct hire or contract with a dental office marketing agency.
Finding and Keeping the Right People for Your Dental Practice
Running a successful dental practice requires more than just clinical skills — it requires a strong, collaborative team. Each dental career mentioned here is vital in delivering quality care and maintaining smooth operations.
With the right professionals in each position, you can create an efficient, patient-focused environment supporting a strong brand identity, business growth, and employee satisfaction to position your practice for long-term success.
To learn more about managing people in your dental practice, download your complimentary copy of Managing People in Your Dental Practice.
About Treloar & Heisel
Treloar & Heisel, an EPIC Company, is a premier financial services provider to dental and medical professionals across the country. We assist thousands of clients from residency to practice and through retirement with a comprehensive suite of financial services, custom-tailored advice, and a strong national network focused on delivering the highest level of service.
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