What it is
Endodontists specialize in the inside of the tooth — the pulp and root canals — diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal therapy and related microsurgery to save natural teeth.
What you do
They perform root canals, retreatments, and endodontic microsurgery, and diagnose complex tooth pain.
Training path & length
2–3 year CODA-accredited residency after the DDS/DMD.
Fellowship subspecialties
Practice centers on root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, apical surgery, and dental trauma of the pulp.
Pay & job outlook
Dentists are well-compensated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $179,210 for dentists (May 2024), growing about 4% from 2024 to 2034. Dental specialists — including oral & maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists — are among the highest-paid, at or above the BLS's top published figure ($239,200+).
Endodontists are well-paid dental specialists, above the general-dentist median.
How to get there
Become a dentist first: earn a DDS or DMD, then complete this CODA-accredited residency and board certification to practice the specialty.
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Key facts
- Residency2–3 years (after DDS/DMD)
- TreatsTooth pulp & root canals
- Known forRoot canal therapy & microsurgery
- PayAbove the general-dentist median
- EntryDDS or DMD