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Dental Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gentle Dental

Dental Therapist

Salem, OR · On-site

$160K/yr

Graduate of an accredited Dental Therapy program * Current Oregon Dental Therapist license (or ability to obtain prior to start) * CPR certification required Ready to Join Us? We're actively hiring ...

Gentle Dental

Dental Therapist

Mcminnville, OR

$160K/yr

Graduate of an accredited Dental Therapy program * Current Oregon Dental Therapist license (or ability to obtain prior to start) * CPR certification required Ready to Join Us? We're actively hiring ...

Gentle Dental

Dental Therapist

Newberg, OR

$160K/yr

Graduate of an accredited Dental Therapy program * Current Oregon Dental Therapist license (or ability to obtain prior to start) * CPR certification required Ready to Join Us? We're actively hiring ...

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Dental Therapy information

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$14

$23

$31

How much do dental therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for dental therapy in the United States is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is dental therapy a fulfilling career?

Dental therapy is considered a rewarding career for those interested in oral health, as it involves providing preventive and restorative dental care under supervision. It offers opportunities to work directly with patients, improve oral health outcomes, and often involves a collaborative healthcare environment. Job satisfaction can be high for individuals passionate about community health and patient education.

What is a dental therapist?

Dental therapists are licensed oral health professionals who provide preventive and basic restorative dental care under the supervision of a dentist. They are trained to perform procedures such as cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions, primarily serving children, underserved communities, and areas with limited access to dental care. Dental therapists help increase access to dental services and improve overall oral health outcomes by working collaboratively with dentists and other dental team members.

How much do dental therapists make in the US?

Dental therapists in the US typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. They perform procedures such as preventive care, basic restorative work, and patient education, often working under the supervision of a dentist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dental therapist?

To thrive as a Dental Therapist, you need sound clinical dental skills, a dental therapy degree or diploma, and relevant licensure or registration. Familiarity with dental radiography, electronic dental records, and infection control systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to educate patients on oral health are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, effective treatment while fostering trust and promoting long-term oral health among diverse patient groups.

What are the typical challenges faced by dental therapists when working in underserved communities?

Dental therapists working in underserved communities often encounter challenges such as limited access to dental equipment, high patient demand, and a wide range of oral health issues stemming from lack of routine care. They may also need to educate patients about preventive care and navigate cultural or language barriers. Despite these obstacles, dental therapists play a crucial role in improving community health by providing essential treatments and collaborating closely with dentists, hygienists, and other healthcare professionals.

What can you do as a dental therapist?

A dental therapist provides preventive and restorative dental care, including cleaning teeth, applying sealants, placing fillings, and extracting primary teeth under supervision. They work alongside dentists and often perform procedures in community clinics or dental practices, requiring relevant certification and clinical training.

What does it take to become a dental therapist?

To become a dental therapist, individuals typically need to complete an accredited dental therapy program, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice. They must also obtain licensure or certification as required by their region, demonstrating competence in procedures like preventive care, restorations, and patient education.

What is the difference between Dental Therapy vs Dental Hygienist?

AspectDental TherapyDental Hygienist
Required CredentialsDental therapy license, completion of dental therapy programDental hygiene license, completion of dental hygiene program
Work EnvironmentClinics, community health settings, some private practicesDental offices, clinics, public health programs
Scope of PracticePerform basic restorative procedures, preventive care, and some extractionsPerform cleanings, patient education, and preventive treatments
Employer & Industry UsageGrowing in underserved areas, expanding roles in dental careEstablished in dental practices, public health, and clinics

Dental therapy and dental hygienist roles share similarities in work environment and credentials but differ mainly in scope of practice. Dental therapists can perform some restorative procedures, while dental hygienists focus on cleaning and preventive care. Both are vital in improving oral health access and are increasingly integrated into dental teams.

More about Dental Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Dental Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Dental Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Dental Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Dental Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dental Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dental Therapy jobs are:
Dental Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dental Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,099 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Advanced Dental Therapist/Dental Therapist

Apple Tree Dental

Fergus Falls, MN

$55 - $70/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Dental Therapist (ADT or DT) to join our team in Fergus Falls, MN. In this role, you will provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to children and adults under the general supervision of a dentist.
 
Responsibilities
  • Provide preventive, restorative, and therapeutic dental care to patients
  • Educate patients and communities on oral health and disease prevention
  • Perform comprehensive patient assessments, treatment planning, and follow-up care
  • Collaborate with dentists, hygienists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best patient outcomes
  • Deliver care in various settings, including outpatient clinics, nursing homes, group homes, and Head Start centers
  • Maintain accurate patient records and documentation using Open Dental software
  • Follow all public health guidelines and best practices in dental therapy
Why Join Us?
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Flexible scheduling options to fit your lifestyle
  • Meaningful work improving access to quality dental care
  • Collaborative team environment with a focus on patient-centered care
  • Opportunities for professional development and community engagement
Requirements
  • Master’s degree in Dental Therapy or Advanced Dental Therapy from a CODA accredited Dental Therapy Program
  • Active or Qualified MN Dental Therapy License required
  • Current CPR (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross
  • Knowledge of public health principles and practices preferred
  • Comprehensive knowledge of primary dental care and periodontal patient care
  • Strong communication skills in English; additional language skills preferred based on clinic location
If you’re passionate about providing high-quality dental care and making a difference in public health, apply today!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.