Dentist
There are 122655 active dentist providers in the United States, distributed across 93 states. A dentist is a person qualified by a doctorate in dental surgery (D.D.S.) or dental medicine (D.M.D.), licensed by the state to practice dentistry, and practicing within the scope of that license. Th
By state
Top metros
- CHICAGO, IL 1517 providers
- NEW YORK, NY 1393 providers
- HOUSTON, TX 1274 providers
- LOS ANGELES, CA 1176 providers
- BROOKLYN, NY 902 providers
- BOSTON, MA 801 providers
- SAN ANTONIO, TX 730 providers
- SAN DIEGO, CA 702 providers
- LAS VEGAS, NV 654 providers
- MIAMI, FL 636 providers
- PHILADELPHIA, PA 627 providers
- DALLAS, TX 608 providers
- PHOENIX, AZ 570 providers
- SAN FRANCISCO, CA 567 providers
- SAN JOSE, CA 551 providers
- SEATTLE, WA 520 providers
- INDIANAPOLIS, IN 439 providers
- AUSTIN, TX 418 providers
- WASHINGTON, DC 417 providers
- SACRAMENTO, CA 390 providers
About dentist
A dentist is a person qualified by a doctorate in dental surgery (D.D.S.) or dental medicine (D.M.D.), licensed by the state to practice dentistry, and practicing within the scope of that license. There is no difference between the two degrees: dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist.
Frequently asked
What does a dentist provider do?
Dentist providers are healthcare professionals classified under the NUCC Healthcare Provider Taxonomy. Refer to the NUCC taxonomy definitions and your state licensing board for scope of practice details.
How do I verify a dentist provider's NPI?
Every NPI on Praxis MD has a verifiable record in the official CMS NPPES registry. Open NPPES to confirm, then check the issuing state board for current license status.
How current is this data?
Praxis MD refreshes the monthly NPPES bulk file and applies weekly delta updates. Each page shows its 'Updated' date.