Job outlook for dentists vs. 4 other healthcare professions

The number of projected jobs for dentists is expected to be much lower than other healthcare occupations, with the employment change between 2022 and 2032 projected to increase 6,800, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Compared to dental hygienists and dental assistants, dentists are projected to have the lowest growth rate and employment change. 

Dentists are also projected to have a smaller change in the number of jobs compared to other healthcare sectors. While physicians and surgeons have a slightly lower projected growth rate, the profession is expected to see a change in employment more than three times higher than dentists. Physician assistants are also projected to have more growth than dentists, with an expected growth rate of 27%.

Here is the job outlook for dentists and four other healthcare professions, according to data from the agency:

Dentists

Number of jobs in 2022: 155,000

Growth rate: 2022-2032: 4% increase

Employment change, 2022-2032: 6,800

Dental hygienists

Number of jobs in 2022: 219,400

Growth rate: 2022-2032: 7% increase

Employment change, 2022-2032: 16,300

Dental assistants

Number of jobs in 2022: 371,000

Growth rate: 2022-2032: 7% increase

Employment change, 2022-2032: 25,700

Physicians and surgeons

Number of jobs in 2022: 816,900

Growth rate: 2022-2032: 3% increase

Employment change, 2022-2032: 24,600

Physician assistants

Number of jobs in 2022: 148,000

Growth rate: 2022-2032: 27% increase

Employment change, 2022-2032: 39,300

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.