Rise of the Dental Specialist: Why Surgeons, Periodontists, and Consultants Are Winning Big

The dental industry is evolving—and with that evolution comes a surge in demand for highly trained specialists. While general dentists remain essential, niche expertise is gaining traction as patients seek more advanced, personalized care. In particular, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Periodontists, and Dental Consultants are increasingly in demand—and if you’re in one of these fields, this could be your moment to shine.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dentists overall is expected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations—but specialists are projected to grow even faster due to the aging population and greater awareness of oral health. Here’s how each of these roles can capitalize on that momentum.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Maximize Your Visibility

Oral surgeons are seeing increasing demand as patients require more complex treatments like implants, jaw correction, and surgical extractions. Yet with such a highly skilled specialty, competition among candidates can still be fierce.

Tips to stand out:

• Join national societies like the AAOMS and attend surgical CE courses to stay at the forefront of innovation.
• Build a referral network with general dentists in your region to increase case flow.
• Highlight your surgical case volume and anesthesia certifications in your CV or DentalPost profile.
• Explore group practice or hospital-based roles that offer more stability and volume than solo practice.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the U.S. is $334,310, making it one of the highest-paid dental specialties.

Periodontists: Position Yourself as a Preventive Powerhouse

With implant dentistry and regenerative therapies on the rise, periodontists are playing a bigger role in both aesthetic and functional dental care. Patients are more proactive than ever—and they’re looking for specialists who can help them preserve their natural teeth and manage systemic health risks.

Ways to stand out:

• Emphasize your implant success rates and familiarity with the latest surgical technologies like laser-assisted regeneration.
• Offer interdisciplinary case studies in your portfolio to show collaboration with prosthodontists or orthodontists.
• Promote your patient education efforts—especially in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and periodontal disease.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that over 47% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, suggesting a large and underserved patient base.

Dental Consultants: Be the Strategic Asset Every Practice Needs

Dental consultants—whether focused on operations, hygiene coaching, or insurance optimization—are becoming vital to practice growth. Practices facing economic pressure are investing in strategy over guesswork, and that means consultants who deliver ROI are in high demand.

To stay ahead:

• Show proof of impact—case studies, growth metrics, or testimonials are gold.
• Niche down—whether you’re a specialist in startup growth, systems implementation, or marketing strategy, the clearer your expertise, the better.
• Stay visible through speaking engagements, CE course contributions, or social media thought leadership.

According to the American Dental Association, dental practice expenses continue to rise annually, making efficiency-focused consultants more valuable than ever.

Stay Agile, Stay Competitive

No matter your specialty, the key to career advancement in today’s dental market is positioning, precision, and proof of value. Employers aren’t just looking for talent—they’re looking for specialists who can drive outcomes, improve patient satisfaction, and contribute to a healthier bottom line.

Quick recap of what to do next:

• Update your DentalPost profile with your most recent credentials, CE courses, and success stories.
• Network actively—both in-person and online—with referring providers, practices, or industry peers.
• Keep learning—advanced certifications and hands-on courses matter more than ever.

The demand is there. The need is growing. The only question is: Are you ready to rise with it?