U.S. News & World Report named dentistry the top healthcare profession in the country on its Best Healthcare Jobs of 2018 and the number two profession in the country overall on its 100 Best Jobs of 2018 list, which was released in January. Also receiving recognition was dental hygienist, which was named the Best Healthcare Support Jobs of 2018 and no. 17 on the 100 Best Jobs of 2018 list.
To create these lists, US News & World Report analyzed data on the jobs that had the largest projected number of openings through 2026 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The news agency then ranked these choices based on criteria, including median salary, employment rate, 10-year growth, future job prospects, stress level, and work-life balance.
Dentists
With a median salary of $153,900, an unemployment rate of 0.4 percent and 23,200 projected jobs available in 2018, these are the glory days for dentists.
“The need for professionals to examine our teeth, and fill and – gulp – refill our cavities isn’t fading,” reads U.S. News & World Report‘s website. “And because more people want cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, the demand for dentists is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth of 17.5 percent between 2016 and 2026, with 23,200 new openings. A comfortable salary, low unemployment rate and agreeable work-life balance boost dentist to a top position on our list of Best Jobs.”
In terms of upward mobility, stress and flexibility, the website lists opportunities for advancement and salary as being average, stress of work environment and complexities of the job’s responsibility as average, and the flexibility of an alternative working schedule and work/life balance as being high.
Dental Hygienists
The dental hygienist profession is reporting a median income of $72,910, and unemployment rate of .5 percent and 40,900 projected jobs available in 2018.
“The job market for dental hygienists is booming. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation will grow nearly 20 percent by 2026, which is much faster than the average growth rate for most professions,” reads the website. “This swell in jobs is likely due to the increased awareness among consumers of how oral health is linked to their overall health.”
When it comes to job satisfaction, the website noted that while the opportunities for upward mobility and salary advancement are below average, the work environment and complexities of the job’s responsibilities lead to an average stress level, and the flexibility of an alternative working schedule and work/life balance are high.
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