Published May 18, 2026 6 min read
Unless otherwise noted, labor market data sourced from Lightcast/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2026.
Exploring career paths with strong growth potential is a smart move for anyone planning their future. High-growth careers often mean increased job security, rising demand for skilled professionals, and expanding opportunities for advancement and higher earnings. In Illinois, the dental field is experiencing notable growth, offering promising prospects for those passionate about oral health.
Dentist
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat problems of the teeth, gums, and mouth, ensuring patients maintain good oral health. Your daily tasks might involve communicating effectively with patients, demonstrating leadership in your practice, and managing operations while upholding ethical standards. You’d also provide customer service and engage in interpersonal communications.
5-year growth projection: 22.1% (5-Year) | 46.4% (10-Year)
Salary: $124,530 (entry) → $149,011 (median) → $181,615 (top), Typical Education: Ph.D. or professional degree
Top Skills: Communication, Leadership, Operations, Mentorship, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Customer Service, Interpersonal Communications, Lifting Ability
Top Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License
Top Employers in Illinois: GPAC, Barton Associates, Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, Aya Locums
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Orthodontist
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat oral health issues, specifically focusing on straightening teeth using various industry methods. Your daily work involves upholding ethical standards, communicating effectively with patients, and providing excellent customer service. You’d also focus on relationship building and scheduling appointments, all with a detail-oriented and professional approach.
5-year growth projection: 17.5% (5-Year) | 33.0% (10-Year)
Salary: $108,363 (entry) → $221,609 (median) → $247,379 (top), Typical Education: Ph.D. or professional degree
Top Skills: Ethical Standards And Conduct, Communication, Customer Service, Interpersonal Communications, Relationship Building, Scheduling, Detail Oriented, Professionalism
Top Certifications: Dental Hygiene License, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Board Certified/Board Eligible
Top Employers in Illinois: Dental Works, Great Lakes Dental Partners, GPAC, Smile Doctors, North American Dental Group
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Oral / Maxillofacial Surgeon
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat problems of the teeth, gums, and mouth, with a specialization in performing surgery for diseases, injuries, or defects around the mouth and maxillofacial region. Your role requires strong communication and professionalism, ensuring ethical standards are met while providing customer service. You might also manage staff and mentor others, focusing on interpersonal communications with a positive outlook.
5-year growth projection: 16.2% (5-Year) | 33.1% (10-Year)
Salary: $174,469 (entry) → $231,535 (median) → $309,470 (top), Typical Education: Ph.D. or professional degree
Top Skills: Communication, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Professionalism, Customer Service, Management, Interpersonal Communications, Mentorship, Positivity
Top Certifications: Board Certified/Board Eligible, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License, General Anesthesia License
Top Employers in Illinois: Aspen Dental, GPAC, Dental Dreams, Dental Works, The Medicus Firm
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Pediatric Dentist
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat oral health problems specifically in children, helping them maintain good oral health. Your daily work involves upholding ethical standards, building relationships with young patients and their families, and communicating effectively. You’d also focus on problem-solving, empathy, and leadership while providing excellent customer service.
5-year growth projection: 13.0% (5-Year) | 26.9% (10-Year)
Salary: $145,522 (entry) → $191,537 (median) → $244,598 (top), Typical Education: Ph.D. or professional degree
Top Skills: Ethical Standards And Conduct, Relationship Building, Communication, Collections, Problem Solving, Empathy, Leadership, Customer Service
Top Certifications: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, Board Certified/Board Eligible, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License
Top Employers in Illinois: Elite Dental Partners, North American Dental Group, Barton Associates, GPAC, University Of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
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Endodontist
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat problems of the teeth, gums, and mouth, specializing in procedures like root canals and treating broken or knocked-out teeth. Your role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, a detail-oriented approach, and self-motivation. You’d also manage patient care and provide excellent customer service while upholding ethical standards.
5-year growth projection: 11.0% (5-Year) | 19.5% (10-Year)
Salary: $157,517 (entry) → $241,141 (median) → $305,811 (top), Typical Education: Ph.D. or professional degree
Top Skills: Communication, Management, Customer Service, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Detail Oriented, Interpersonal Communications, Professionalism, Self-Motivation
Top Certifications: Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License, Board Certified/Board Eligible, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Top Employers in Illinois: GPAC, Dental Works, Countryside Dental Group, Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental
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Prosthodontist
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat oral health issues, specializing in replacing missing teeth with fixtures such as bridges or dentures. Your daily activities might include conducting research, mentoring others, and coordinating complex cases. You’d also apply leadership and communication skills in managing operations, all with a detail-oriented approach.
5-year growth projection: 10.1% (5-Year) | 16.9% (10-Year)
Salary: $132,477 (entry) → $275,400 (median) → $323,574 (top), Typical Education: Ph.D. or professional degree
Top Skills: Research, Mentorship, Communication, Leadership, Interpersonal Communications, Operations, Coordinating, Detail Oriented
Top Certifications: Board Certified/Board Eligible, American Board Of Prosthodontics (ABP) Certification, Professional in Human Resources
Top Employers in Illinois: Dental Dreams, GPAC, University of Chicago, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, AMN Healthcare
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Periodontist
What you’d do day-to-day: You would diagnose and treat problems of the teeth, gums, and mouth, focusing specifically on treating gums and the bones that support teeth. Your daily tasks involve communicating effectively, building rapport with patients, and demonstrating a detail-oriented and compassionate approach. You’d also engage in scheduling and analytical thinking to address patient needs.
5-year growth projection: 6.5% (5-Year) | 10.7% (10-Year)
Salary: $39,215 (entry) → $55,704 (median) → $282,984 (top), Typical Education: High school or GED
Top Skills: Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Detail Oriented, Scheduling, Rapport Building, Analytical Thinking, Compassion, Innovation
Top Certifications: Board Certified/Board Eligible, Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Loss Control Specialist
Top Employers in Illinois: GPAC, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Aspen Dental, University of Illinois System Offices, University Of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
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These growing dental careers in Illinois offer diverse paths within the healthcare sector. Whether you’re just starting your career exploration or looking to specialize, understanding these roles can help you make informed decisions about your future. Dive deeper into these professions and see how your skills and interests align with the demands of the job market.
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