For Educators: Military Resources
Military Dentists
Median Salary
141,023
Workforce Count
3,027
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Military dentists take care of the dental needs of service members and their families. They are typically responsible for educating patients on oral hygiene, examining teeth and diagnosing patients' dental conditions by using tools such as x-rays. They also assess treatment options and agree on treatment plans with patients. They may practice general dentistry or work in one of several specialties.
What is the work environment like?
Dentists work in hospitals and dental clinics on land and aboard ships.
How many people have this role in the Military?
3,027
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$174,117
2 Years
$117,789
6 Years
$174,117
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Dentists have a doctorate degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Dentists who participate in military-sponsored residency programs receive renowned education. All dentists in the Military gain exposure to nearly every major facet of dentistry in a wide range of healthcare environments. Like other healthcare officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, the military health system, and leadership development.
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
- Advanced General Dentistry
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Education and Training
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test