Endodontist Job Description, Career as a Endodontist, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Specialized license

Median Salary: $100,000 annually

Job Prospects: Good

Job Description

Although they perform many specialized services, endodontists are most known for root canals. This is a specialized form of dentistry where endodontists provide dental care to their patients. They work with patients through consultations for specialized services, and then perform the procedure required. Patients seeing an endodontist are referred to them by their regular dentist, because an involved procedure is required.

An endodontist diagnoses, treats, and examines the nerve and dental tissue. Even though they work as other dentists, they have specialty in this area and are considered to be experts in this subject matter. They examine all parts of the mouth including teeth, gums, and all tissues inside to determine and properly diagnose the condition and problem. The diagnosis is performed by an endodontist by a simple exam, which may involve an X-ray.

They treat any exposure and handle replacement of infected tissue. As an endodontist, performing oral surgeries is quite common and is usually a regular task for them. They also handle repair or removal of pulp inside the mouth and tissue. An endodontist performs a fair amount of root canals and treats the infected area and handles any necessary surgery. Patients see endodontists to have a tooth repaired or restored that could have been knocked out. They also perform simple procedures such as a teeth bleaching, which is gaining popularity within the dental world.

An endodontist works in a similar role like other dentists in terms of the patient care and consultations, however, they work in this specialized area of dentistry. They are responsible for any tasks necessary to run a practice or business, and keep current on new trends or surgery techniques. Although their primary role is dentistry, they have other responsibilities as part of running a practice.

Training/Educational Requirements

An endodontist must have a degree from an accredited dental school, just like a dentist. Along with this degree, they must have a license in dentistry. Since this is a specialized form of dentistry, it requires advanced training in endontics. This means they must complete four years in dental school, and another two years focused on this specialty.

Since it is necessary to keep the license current, ongoing training is required. Not only is ongoing training required, but it is encouraged and preferred by endontists working in their field. It is necessary to keep up on current trends, surgical procedures, and anything new in the industry. This can be achieved through training courses, seminars, and workshops.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired as an endodontist is to acquire a license and fulfill the educational requirement. This helps to get hired initially, and prepares an individual to open their own practice. Beyond that, the best way to keep getting hired is to gain experience working with a wide range of patients and oral tissue conditions.

The more experience an endodontist receives through procedures and surgeries, the better qualified they become. With solid experience, they move from a small practice to owning their own. To get hired by patients, experience is the greatest factor. Patients want to know the endodontist they are hiring has proven experience in treating a variety of conditions and can be trusted. To get referrals, it is necessary to have a good relationship with dentists and others in the field. Having good relationships with insurance companies helps, too, since referrals are a main source of business for endodontists.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Even though more endodontists are working in this field, there is a need for this profession. More and more patients require the services of an endodontist which means an increase in demand. As more endodontists own their own practice, the more potential job growth available. The outlook is good, even though competition is high.

This specialized dentistry is the highest level an endodontist can go within their career. For most endodontists, their ultimate goal is to own a private practice. Once they get to this level and gain experience, they expect to stay there for the rest of their career.

Working Environment

The typical working environment is similar to a dentist’s office. There is usually a waiting room and a front desk where patients check in. There is also an office for the endodontist to deal with patient consultations and paperwork as necessary. There is an exam room where all exams and procedures take place. The work environment may be loud when surgeries are taking place as tools create noise.

This is a stressful environment sometimes since many patients have great anxiety seeing this type of specialist. It is necessary to have a good personality and a calming environment to put the patient at ease. Depending on the patient load on a given day, there may be a great deal of stress and attention to detail required. It is also helpful for endodontists to have an office or area where they can clear their head.

Salary and Benefits

An endodontist works in a specialized role, and therefore the salary range varies significantly. Most work in this occupation in their own private practice, or as part of a smaller practice. They charge patients on an hourly basis, or offer a schedule of fees per treatment. The median salary for an endodontist is about $100,000 per year, but the range varies significantly depending on several factors. The salary range in a given geographical location ranges as high as $400,000 plus, however, it depends on the practice and the patient load. As endodontists generally work in their own private practice or as part of one owned with others in their field, they are responsible for their own benefits. They provide benefits for their staff and take on the same benefits for themselves. They have flexible work schedules, and work patient consultations and procedures around their availability.