Dentist Dental Surgeon Salary in Kentucky

Dentist - Average Salary $173,441

Examines and treats diseases and injuries of teeth and gums. Performs preventative and maintenance dentistry and educates the patient in proper tooth and gum care. Recommends braces or surgery to correct any malformations. Requires a doctorate degree in dentistry, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited school. Requires a state licensed to practice. Typically reports to a top management. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

Dental Hygienist - Average Salary $71,149

Under the direct supervision of a dentist, cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. Performs routine examination and assessment of dental health. Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer. Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Provides instruction, guidance, and coaching to patients about methods to improve dental health. May take Radiographs or x-rays. Typically requires an associate degree in dental hygiene. Meets licensing requirements as a dental hygienist for the state. Radiography/x-ray certification per state guidelines. Basic Life Support certification (BLS.) Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

Dental Assistant - Average Salary $39,260

Assists with dental surgical and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Prepares patient and arranges instruments and supplies used for procedures. Hands instruments to the dentist and helps during treatment. Ensures all instruments are sterile and follows infection control protocols. Records treatment notes and updates patient records. May take and process x-rays. May require an associate degree in dental assisting or equivalent. Has Basic Life Support (BLS) and depending on state, may have licensing requirement. Typically reports to a dentist. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

Surgeon - Average Salary $386,729

Performs surgery to prevent and correct injuries, deformities, diseases or improve patient function, appearance or quality of life. Reviews patient history and confirms need for surgery. Determines which instruments and method of surgery will be most successful in achieving desired outcome. May provide medical personnel with direction concerning patient care. May provide in-service training as needed to address new technology in health care treatment. Provides charting in compliance with all laws and regulations. Requires a MD degree from an accredited school. Typically reports to a medical director. Requires a license to practice. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

Dental Assistant (Certified) - Average Salary $39,300

The Dental Assistant (Certified) prepares and arranges needed tools and instruments for scheduled procedures. Assists with oral surgery and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Being a Dental Assistant (Certified) may record findings, change barriers, or sterilize equipment. Hands necessary tools and equipment to the dentist and provides assistance during treatment. In addition, Dental Assistant (Certified) requires an associate's degree from an accredited program. Typically reports to a dentist. Working as a Dental Assistant (Certified) typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. May be entry level if some experience in the skill. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision.