Well if you are solely looking for money, don't enter the dental, medical or any health care profession. It simply makes no sense to spend $130,000+ in education, waste 6-8 yrs (which is what the specialities take) of earning potential, and then take 4-5 yrs to build an income of $150,000+. Not a wise business decision. But if you are like me money is secondary to doing what you love. So here is the run-down of specialties:
Obviously you know you'll have to be at least in the top 5-10%, if not the top 5 of your class----with incredible board scores, with good research, and wonderful recommendation to specialize. Make no quams about it-----specializing is a challenge.
The most demanding is Oral Surgery (OMS) the hours stink and the road is LONG. An additional 4 yrs. after dental school. Expect to be on call----and basically live, sleep, and eat surgery. 2 of my friends are OMS and they work anywhere from 45-80 hrs. a week. They are also on call for trauma emerg. at the local hospital. Right now the next most difficult match is Ortho. It is 3 yrs. of training after dental school and is a lucrative field. You normally work avg. hours----but you must like complex and detailed work. Biomechanics is a huge part of Ortho. In the past you had to be in the top 5-8 of your class with great board scores to qualify. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule. Just don't rely on exceptions! The avg. income is between $200,000-600,000 which is similar to OMS. The next specialties are close as far as difficulty in matching. I think right now Endo, Perio are close to being as competitive as OMS, if not more. The money is good for both of them-----I personally know a Perio in Iowa that makes over $350,000.
So you have to be academically suited, as well as, extremely motivated to continue your schooling----with or without a stripend. Meaning you will take on more debt! I hope I was helpful. Good luck!
R.R.B
