SOC 29-1021
Dentists, General
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ24/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ113,490
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$173K
$84K โ $0
Projected Growth
๐+4.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค81/100
High exposure
๐ก Dentists, General face a risk score of 24/100 โ 20 points below the national average of 44. With 81/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $173K ($126K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions offer lower AI risk while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of just 24/100, Dentists, General is well-positioned against AI automation. Core responsibilities like interdisciplinary care coordination and empathetic patient communication and bedside manner rely heavily on human judgment and interpersonal skills that AI cannot easily replicate. The 113,490 Americans in this role can expect continued demand, though they should still stay informed about AI tools that can enhance their productivity.
Will AI Replace Dentists, General?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Telehealth platforms automating triage and intake
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
AI-assisted diagnostic imaging reducing radiologist workload
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Interdisciplinary care coordination
Empathetic patient communication and bedside manner
Emergency triage requiring rapid human judgment
Complex clinical judgment in ambiguous presentations
Ethical decision-making in end-of-life situations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
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.
Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
๐ป Technology Skills
Medical software
Accounting software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Internet browser software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Medicine and Dentistry
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Biology
Psychology
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 82% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 51% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | 22 | $82K | 69% |