Prosthodontics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prosthodontics is a specialized field within dental medicine dedicated to restoring and maintaining optimal oral function, natural tooth aesthetics, and overall patient well-being through advanced clinical techniques and custom prosthetic solutions. This advanced discipline integrates biomechanical precision with artistic craftsmanship to address complex dental deficiencies using a range of materials and devices, from individual crowns to full-arch reconstructions.
- Implant Dentistry: Focuses on the surgical and prosthetic integration of dental implants to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and structural integrity of the jaw.
- Surgical Procedures: Involves pre-implant and reconstructive surgical interventions to prepare the oral environment for prosthesis placement and long-term stability.
- Denture Design and Fabrication: Covers the development and creation of custom dentures tailored to individual anatomical needs, emphasizing comfort, fit, and functionality.
- Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics: Addresses the design, construction, and clinical application of permanent (fixed) and patient-removable dental prostheses for tooth replacement.
- Restorative Techniques: Encompasses advanced methods for rebuilding damaged or missing tooth structure using materials such as ceramics, composites, and metals.
- Occlusion Therapy and Devices: Focuses on diagnosing and treating bite-related disorders through therapeutic appliances and biomechanical correction strategies.
- Geriatric Dentistry: Addresses the unique oral health challenges of older adults, including tooth loss, dry mouth, and the integration of prostheses in complex medical histories.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Applies aesthetic principles to enhance the visual appearance of teeth and smiles through veneers, bonding, and color-matching techniques.
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD): Involves the diagnosis and management of disorders affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often requiring interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Prosthodontics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Prosthodontics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Prosthodontics degrees, including Prosthodontists and Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 230,480 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prosthodontists 29-1024 | $239,200 | $97,370 - $239,200 | 760 | $115.00 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Prosthodontics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $178,830 in Arkansas—a 272% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, Virginia, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 230,480 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Prosthodontics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering Prosthodontics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Prosthodontics is found at Boston University (BU) (12 graduates), The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston (9 graduates), Loma Linda University (LLU) (7 graduates), Rutgers University, New Brunswick (7 graduates), and Columbia University in the City of New York (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 95 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
9 | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| Loma Linda University (LLU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
7 | Loma Linda, California | Private | llu.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
7 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Post-Master's
|
7 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Post-Master's
|
5 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Post-Master's
|
5 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center |
Post-Master's
|
5 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | uthscsa.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
|
4 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Tufts University |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Post-Master's
|
3 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
3 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | rcm.upr.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Post-Master's
|
2 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Marquette University |
Master's
|
2 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | marquette.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Prosthodontics programs
How much can I earn with a Prosthodontics degree?
Salaries for Prosthodontics graduates vary by role and location. Prosthodontists earn a median of $239,200 annually, while Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $105,620. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $178,830 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 230,480 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Prosthodontics programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer Prosthodontics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Boston University (BU) (12 graduates), The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston (9 graduates), and Loma Linda University (LLU) (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Prosthodontics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 80 in 2010 to 95 in 2023-24. This represents a 19% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Prosthodontics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Prosthodontists, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 230,480 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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