How to Become a Prosthodontist: Education, Residency, Salary, and Career Outlook

If you’re certain about a career in dentistry but want to explore specialized options, prosthodontics may be worth considering. Prosthodontists are experts in restoring and replacing teeth, helping patients regain both confidence and function. From dental implants to complex jaw reconstructions, they play a vital role in modern oral healthcare.

With nearly 300,000 dental implants placed annually in the U.S. alone, the demand for prosthodontists has steadily grown. This guide will walk you through what prosthodontists do, the educational path required, the career outlook, and the skills that set them apart.

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What Is a Prosthodontist?

The word “prosthodontist” comes from the Latin prosthesis (meaning addition) and odont (tooth). Simply put, prosthodontists specialize in the addition or restoration of teeth.

Their work is diverse and highly specialized. Common procedures include:

• Designing and placing crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants
• Restoring or replacing parts of the jaw and mouth after trauma or surgery
• Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) and other jaw-related issues
• Performing oral cancer reconstruction and cosmetic procedures
• Correcting head and neck deformities
• Diagnosing and treating dental disease
• Supporting speech and chewing function through prosthetic design

Patients are often referred to prosthodontists by their general dentists for advanced restorative work. These specialists typically practice in private dental clinics, teaching hospitals, or cosmetic centers.

Steps to Becoming a Prosthodontist

The path to becoming a prosthodontist is long but rewarding, usually taking at least 11 years of education and training. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

#1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Start with an undergraduate degree, usually in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry. While science majors are common, students from non-science fields can also apply if they complete required prerequisites. Maintaining a high GPA is critical for dental school admission.

#2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The DAT evaluates scientific knowledge, academic ability, and perceptual skills. Strong scores will boost your application to competitive dental schools.

#3. Complete Dental School

Dental school takes four years and leads to either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Both degrees prepare students for general dentistry practice.

#4. Pass the INBDE and Obtain Licensure

To practice dentistry, graduates must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) as well as state or regional clinical licensing exams.

#5. Pursue a Prosthodontics Residency

To specialize, dentists complete a three-year residency in prosthodontics. Training includes advanced coursework, clinical practice, and research in oral rehabilitation, dental implants, and maxillofacial prosthetics.

#6. Earn Board Certification (Optional)

Many prosthodontists choose to become certified through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP). Certification demonstrates expertise and can improve career opportunities, though it is not required to practice.

Prosthodontist Salary and Career Outlook

Prosthodontics is among the most lucrative dental specialties. The average salary is about $208,000 per year, with higher earnings for those in private practice or major metropolitan areas.

Demand for prosthodontists continues to rise as cosmetic dentistry and implant procedures become more common. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in dental specialties, ensuring strong job prospects.

Key Skills for Prosthodontists

Beyond technical expertise, prosthodontists need strong personal and professional qualities:

• Attention to detail – designing prosthetics that function and look natural
• Patience and empathy – guiding patients through long treatment plans
• Problem-solving skills – addressing complex dental and facial conditions
• Communication – explaining procedures and outcomes to patients and families
• Collaboration – working with surgeons, orthodontists, and other dental specialists

FAQs About Becoming a Prosthodontist

#1. How long does it take?

At least 11 years: four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental school, and a three-year residency.

#2. Do prosthodontists need a PhD?

No. A DDS or DMD plus residency is sufficient. Some pursue advanced research degrees, but it is optional.

#3. How is a prosthodontist different from a general dentist?

General dentists provide routine care like fillings and cleanings, while prosthodontists specialize in restoring or replacing teeth through advanced procedures.

#4. Is the career stressful?

The training is demanding, but many prosthodontists face fewer emergencies compared to other dental specialists since much of their work is planned, elective care.

Final Thoughts

Prosthodontics is a specialty that blends science, artistry, and patient care. While the journey to becoming a prosthodontist requires more than a decade of preparation, the rewards are significant. From high earning potential to the satisfaction of transforming patients’ lives.

If you’re a pre-dental student exploring this career path, early exposure to dentistry can make a big difference in your application and readiness. At Go Elective’s pre-dental internships abroad, you can shadow experienced dentists in Kenya or Tanzania, gain hands-on clinical experience, and explore specialties like prosthodontics firsthand.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 10, 2025