Dentistry could offer additional benefits for practitioners compared to the medical field, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Dr. Lyon recently spoke with Becker’s about why the career benefits of dentistry could be leading dental schools to see an increase in applicants and enrollees.
Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon: For a very long time the joke was someone went to dental school because they couldn’t get into medical school. While there may be a tincture of truth to it, times are changing. Today, many college students are opting for dental school because the profession offers Generation Z what they’re looking for: work-life balance, autonomy and an opportunity to contribute to society.
According to the American Dental Education Association, the 2025 enrolling class of dental school students was the largest since 2000, while the applicant pool reached its highest level in a decade. Even with the exorbitant cost of dental education, the number of applicants well-exceeds the available openings. The American Dental Association likewise reports that total predoctoral dental school enrollment reached a historic high of nearly 29,000 students during the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting two decades of sustained growth in dental education capacity.
The reasons for this are clear. While a physician completing a residency in pediatrics may earn in the neighborhood of $250,000-$260,000 per year, they are working 50-60 hours per week, have after-hours calls, and deal with the stresses of life and death situations. Pediatric dentists have a similar earning potential, but work 30-40 hours per week, have no after-hours calls, and can be home until the next morning. The same holds true for family practitioners and general dentists. What makes it even more favorable for dentists is the ability to earn directly after dental school, while a physician must complete multiple years of training after graduation before they can begin earning a living.
While historically it’s been medicine vs. dentistry, the reality is dentistry is also competing against pharmacy, physician assistant programs and other healthcare careers. DSOs that invest in mentorship, technology, clinical excellence, leadership development and meaningful career progression will be best positioned to attract the best and brightest.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
