Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Prosthodontist
What prosthodontists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a prosthodontist?
Plan a full-mouth rehabilitation. From there, the day usually includes plan complex restorations, place crowns, bridges and veneers, and design dentures. Most work full-time during regular business hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a prosthodontist working full time.
- Plan a full-mouth rehabilitation.
- Prepare teeth for veneers.
- Deliver implant-supported dentures.
- Review a lab case with technicians.
- Adjust a patient’s bite.
- Consult with an oral surgeon about implants.
- Write treatment notes.
Where prosthodontists work
Prosthodontists work in private practices, universities and hospitals.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time during regular business hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Plan complex restorations
- Place crowns, bridges and veneers
- Design dentures
- Restore dental implants
- Treat bite and jaw problems
- Work with dental labs
- Restore function after trauma or cancer
Tools you’ll use every day
- Intraoral scanners
- CAD/CAM systems
- Articulators
- Shade guides
- Implant components
- Dental handpieces
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Very high pay
- Life-changing results
- Regular hours
- Artistic, technical work
What’s hard
- Long training
- Complex, lengthy cases
- Costly treatments for patients
- Small specialty
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like art and science together
- I enjoy precise hand work
- I want to restore smiles
- I want a high income
- I like complex problems
- I can commit to long training
Not sure? Take the free Prosthodontist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use infection control
- Handle lab materials safely
- Use proper ergonomics
- Review medical history