What it is
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth — crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and complex reconstruction — restoring function and appearance for damaged or missing teeth.
What you do
They design and place restorations and prostheses, manage complex full-mouth reconstruction, and treat facial/dental defects (maxillofacial prosthetics).
Training path & length
3-year CODA-accredited residency after the DDS/DMD.
Fellowship subspecialties
Areas include fixed and removable prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics, and maxillofacial prosthetics.
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+).
Prosthodontists are among the highest-paid dental specialists (BLS top tier).
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
- Residency3 years (after DDS/DMD)
- FocusRestoring & replacing teeth
- ScopeCrowns, bridges, dentures, implants, reconstruction
- PayTop-tier dental
- EntryDDS or DMD