Metro East Sun

The job market for the field of dentistry is strong and presents a variety of opportunities for new graduates as people all over the United States still experience a shortage in dental care providers.

Dr. Bruce E. Rotter, the dean of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, told the Metro East Sun the market for new dental school graduates is in good shape.

“U.S. News & World Report has once again listed dentistry as the No. 1 profession in the nation," he said. "My best advice for new graduates is to remember that even though the market is good, they must have reasonable employment expectations. It takes time, work and patience to build a robust practice.”

In the U.S. News & World Report ranking, it was reported that dentists make a median income of $152,700 per year. The field also sports a 0.1 percent unemployment rate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the field could grow by 18 percent by 2024, adding 23,300 jobs. 

Rotter said graduates of the SIU School of Dental Medicine have “historically had very good placement.”

Dr. Sameera Hussain, president of Dental Dreams, a multi-state dental practice with 18 locations in Illinois, said the job market for dental grads is healthy and should be encouraging.

“The great news for new dental graduates is that they will have great options to choose from,” Hussain said. “There is high demand for dentists upon graduation in every sector of the market.”

There is especially a shortage in practices providing services to people who live in underserved communities, Hussain said.

“At Dental Dreams, we are one of the few providers of services to children and families in underserved areas,” Hussain said. “A majority of our patients are covered by Medicaid. And in communities that are economically challenged, dental care has often considered a luxury and put off as long as possible. By bringing our offices into those communities, fortunately, we have been able to make inroads in meeting those needs.”

Hussain said graduates can put their best forward by using their skills to the best of their ability.

“As dentists, we can help people to improve their health in any setting," Hussain said. "Utilizing one's skills and abilities in an area where the need is the greatest and where many dental needs have traditionally gone unmet is very satisfying. We are always looking for dentists that want to make a difference and we take pride in helping them to become industry-leading dentists."