Dentistry & Oral Health
What you'll do in college
Coursework focuses heavily on the sciences, head and neck anatomy, and specialized oral health. Pre-dentistry students tackle rigorous prerequisites like organic chemistry, biology, and physics to prepare for dental school. Dental hygiene, assisting, and laboratory technology programs emphasize practical clinical skills, teaching students how to take X-rays, perform cleanings, and craft dental prosthetics. Expect significant hands-on laboratory work, simulation labs, and clinical rotations.
What you'll do after college
Graduates work in private dental practices, community health clinics, and specialized oral surgery centers. Pre-dentistry students continue on to dental school to become licensed dentists or orthodontists. Dental hygienists and assistants provide preventative care, support complex dental procedures, and educate patients on oral hygiene. The work is highly hands-on, requires excellent fine motor skills, and involves direct, daily patient interaction.
Selectivity vs. earnings
By acceptance rate
By SAT median
Earnings vs. selectivity rank
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | 5yr Earn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry & Oral Health | 65 | 1,622 | 6% / 94% | 1% | $62,527 |
| Dental Hygiene | 41 | 1,090 | 6% / 94% | 1% | $62,796 |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist | 16 | 488 | 5% / 95% | 0% | $61,226 |
| Pre-Dentistry Studies | 6 | 17 | 18% / 82% | 18% | $80,424 |
| Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician | 1 | 12 | 33% / 67% | 0% | $54,090 |
| Pre-Dentistry | 4 | 11 | 55% / 45% | 0% | $77,435 |
| Dental Services and Allied Professions | 1 | 3 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $54,090 |
| Dental Assisting | 1 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% |