FAQ
Prosthodontist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a prosthodontist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a prosthodontist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about prosthodontists
What does a prosthodontist do?
Restores and replaces teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implants.
How long is training?
Dental school plus a three-year residency.
Is it a small specialty?
Yes, about a thousand prosthodontists are employed nationally, per BLS.
How much does a prosthodontist make?
The median annual wage for prosthodontists was $311,180 ($149.61 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $103,510 and the highest 10% earned more than $344,750.
How long does it take to become a prosthodontist?
Most people need about 11 years after high school of training. A DDS or DMD degree plus a three-year accredited prosthodontics residency is required.
Do you need a degree to be a prosthodontist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Is prosthodontist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.8% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 0 openings each year. Upsides include very high pay; a common challenge is that long training.
What skills does a prosthodontist need?
Key technical skills include fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics, implant restoration, and occlusion. Employers also value artistic eye, precision, and communication.
What certifications are available for prosthodontists?
Common credentials include American Board of Prosthodontics certification, State dental license, Specialty license, and Implant training. Prosthodontists need a state dental license; some states also license specialists.
Still deciding?
Try the Prosthodontist fit quiz, compare with Dentist, or explore Prosthodontist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1024 (Prosthodontists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Prosthodontists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.