Prosthodontists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Patients are examined to diagnose oral conditions; missing teeth and related structures are then replaced with implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable dentures. Jaws and teeth are measured and impressions taken with face bows, articulators, and recording devices so the prosthesis matches shape and size; devices are then fitted, adjusted, repaired, relined, or rebased. Design and fabrication may be done directly or supervised with dental technicians and laboratory bench workers, often alongside general dentists and other specialists. The same work also restores function and appearance after injury, disease, or a congenital disability. The work fits those who prefer detailed measuring and fitting, visual problem-solving, and coordinating with a lab and other dentists.
Typical education: Post-Doctoral Training
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$311'180
Median Wage Market Position
$311'180
What you might do
- Diagnose oral conditions that call for replacement teeth
- Replace missing teeth with crowns, bridges, or dentures
- Measure jaws and take impressions of teeth
- Fit and adjust replacement teeth in the mouth
- Design replacement teeth or oversee their making
- Restore mouths after injury, disease, or birth defects
Skills that matter
- Listening as patients describe oral problems
- Deciding among implants, crowns, or dentures
- Measuring jaws with face bows
- Fitting and adjusting dental prostheses
- Directing technicians who build the devices
- Talking through cases with other dentists
AI & the future of this role
Restoring teeth and jaws with custom prostheses requires precise hands-on work, aesthetic judgment, and close patient collaboration. Design tools may assist planning, yet liability, fit, and complex oral reconstruction tend to keep this specialty firmly human-led.
Does Prosthodontists fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details