Dentists, general
SOC Code: 29-1021
Dentists, general carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $172,790 and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 129,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Dentists, general (SOC 29-1021) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 129,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $172,790, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Dentists, general. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- 2. Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- 3. Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- 4. Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- 5. Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- 6. Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- 7. Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- 8. Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
- 9. Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
- 10. Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Economics and Accounting
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Dentists, general?
Dentists, general has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Dentists, general?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Dentists, general is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 129,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Dentists, general?
Key skills for Dentists, general include Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Dentists, general earn?
The median annual wage for Dentists, general is $172,790, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Dentists, general?
The typical entry-level education for Dentists, general is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Dentists, general?
Dentists, general roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).