Deciding Between General Dentistry and Endodontics

First, if you are reading this article, we assume that some congratulations are in order. You are likely in dental school, have just been accepted into dental school, or are coming to the end of your dental education and it is time to make a decision. And for any of these reasons, we celebrate you. There are over 202,000 active dentists in the U.S., and we are so happy to have you join the ranks!

But we know that you have a big decision to make, especially if you are in the final weeks or months of dental school. The question likely lingering in your mind is whether to be a general dentist or to specialize in something like endodontics. It’s a big decision, for sure. So in this article, we’ll give you the lay of the land to help you make the decision that is best for you and your future patients.

Weighing Your Options

Here’s the thing. There will always be a substantial demand for professionals in both the general dental and endodontics spaces. Even when patients do their very best to manage their oral hygiene at home and attend their dental cleanings every six months, there are just some things people can’t do with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Dentists and their teams are necessary to help remove stubborn tartar and restore and replace teeth. And there are a wide variety of services that dentists can offer tied to restoration and cosmetics that increase patient satisfaction.

As far as endodontics goes, over 15,000,000 root canals are performed each year. For nondental professionals reading this article, you may still be wondering—what do endodontists do?

Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth, particularly involving the pulp and root canals. They perform procedures such as root canal treatments, where they remove the damaged or infected pulp before carefully cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the canals. Endodontists are experts in saving teeth that would otherwise require extraction, making them an integral part of dental care focused on preserving natural teeth and reducing pain.

But how do you decide whether you want to be a dentist or an endodontist? Let’s get into the top considerations.

1. Education and Training

The path to becoming a dentist or an endodontist begins the same way: earning a dental degree, which typically takes about four years after completing an undergraduate program. For those who want to specialize in endodontics, however, additional training is required. 

Endodontists undergo two to three more years of residency, focusing on root canal procedures and treatments related to dental pulp. This extra time in school prepares them for the complexities of endodontic work, while general dentists can start practicing after dental school.

2. Scope of Practice

As we shared earlier, general dentists offer services from routine cleanings and fillings to restorative and cosmetic procedures. They handle preventive care and are often the first point of contact for any dental issues. 

Endodontists, on the other hand, focus primarily on root canal treatments and related procedures involving the inner parts of the tooth. While general dentists provide broad care, endodontists treat more complex cases that involve saving teeth from infection or damage.

3. Career Opportunities and Demand

The job outlook for both general dentists and endodontists remains strong, but there are some differences. General dentists typically find a wider range of career options, as they offer a broad spectrum of services and can work in various settings.

Endodontists, being specialists, may have fewer positions available, but their expertise is always in demand, especially in practices needing specialized care. While both career paths offer solid earning potential, specialists often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and training.

4. Personal Interests and Skills

Choosing between being a general dentist or an endodontist depends largely on your personal interests and strengths. General dentists often enjoy building long-term relationships with their patients, providing ongoing care, and managing a variety of procedures. 

Endodontists, however, need a passion for performing intricate and detailed work, with a focus on root canals and saving teeth.

Thinking endodontics is the right path for you?

One of the things we love the most about our business is that we get to work with dental practices all over the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. This means we’re not tied to one dental practice, and we get to meet so many fun and unique patients. Even better, we get to help them feel better when they’re smiles and dental health are not quite working in their favor.

To be frank, we believe we’re the best endodontists in Dallas and absolutely love what we do. If you are thinking endodontics is the right path or you are nearing the end of your endodontics training, we encourage you to get in touch and tell us about yourself and what you have to offer. We love meeting new endodontists and new dentists alike, as networking is key to our success.

Let’s connect today.