Dentist vs Physical Therapist
Measured from each occupation's own live postings: mostly different jobs wearing similar names. Posted pay favors the dentist by about $35k at the midpoint.
The short answer
On pay, dentists come out ahead by about $35k a year at the midpoint of posted bands: $62k–$220k against $93k–$120k for physical therapists. These are advertised figures from postings that state a salary, not estimates.
On skills, they are mostly different jobs that happen to share a name or a hallway. The overlap is thin, which is often exactly why people search this pair. The readiness numbers further down say how far a typical profile on each side already reaches into the other, and which direction is the easier move.
Dentist
Physical Therapist
physical therapist jobs · physical therapist salary · physical therapist career guide · careers for physical therapists
The overlap, measured
Switching, both directions
Dentist → Physical Therapist
DPT degree + state PT license (NPTE) required
Transition estimate: 3+ yr incl. license.
What physical therapist postings ask for that dentist profiles usually lack: Rehabilitation, Brewing, Recruiting.
Physical Therapist → Dentist
Dental degree (DDS/DMD or equivalent) and a state or cantonal licence to practise
Transition estimate: 12–24 mo + license.
What dentist postings ask for that physical therapist profiles usually lack: Case Management, Radiography, Local Anesthesia, Periodontal Care.
Open dentist roles
- Zahnarzt (m/w/d) in Düsseldorf-Garath at Direct employerDüsseldorf-Garath, DeutschlandTodayUnlock
- Fee Basis- Dentist at Veterans Health AdministrationFort Wayne, IndianaTodayApply
- Associate Dentist - Radiant Dental and Implant Clinic, Enniskillen at Direct employerEnniskillen, GB1d agoUnlock
- Associate Dentist (Maternity Cover 11 months) - Walkden Dental and Implant Clinic, Walkden at Direct employerManchester, GB1d agoUnlock
Open physical therapist roles
- Physiotherapeut/-in 80-100% für die Region Horgen gesucht at MediPersonalHorgen, Zürich, SwitzerlandTodayApply
- MercyOne - Physical Therapist at Direct employerMercyOne North Iowa HH and HospiceTodayUnlock
- Physical Therapist - Outpatient - Ochsner Therapy & Wellness - Vets at Direct employerNew Orleans - New Orleans Region - LouisianaTodayUnlock
- Physical Therapist - WKND- FT Days at Direct employerMercy Rehab Hospital SouthTodayUnlock
See the whole board for both
384 open roles across the two.
Related comparisons
- Dentist vs Therapist / Counselor62% peak overlap
- Dentist vs Psychologist61% peak overlap
- Dentist vs Dietitian55% peak overlap
- Dental Assistant vs Dentist52% peak overlap
- Dental Hygienist vs Dentist52% peak overlap
- Dentist vs Social Worker52% peak overlap
Which one do your skills favor?
Run the instrument with your own skills and both numbers recompute for you. Free.
Quick answers
Which pays more, dentist or physical therapist?
On pay, dentists come out ahead by about $35k a year at the midpoint of posted bands: $62k–$220k against $93k–$120k for physical therapists. These are advertised figures from postings that state a salary, not estimates.
Are dentist and physical therapist the same job?
On skills, they are mostly different jobs that happen to share a name or a hallway. The overlap is thin, which is often exactly why people search this pair. The skills both sets of postings want most are Treatment Planning, Patient Care, Training & Facilitation.
Can a dentist become a physical therapist?
Yes, and the numbers say how far along you already are: a typical dentist profile covers 34% of what physical therapist postings ask for. One thing to settle first: dpt degree + state pt license (npte) required. Skill overlap does not shorten a credential. Our estimate for the move is 3+ yr incl. license. The instrument lists the exact skills that make up the rest.
Can a physical therapist become a dentist?
Going the other way, a typical physical therapist profile covers 28% of what dentist postings ask for. Keep in mind: dental degree (dds/dmd or equivalent) and a state or cantonal licence to practise. Our estimate for the move is 12–24 mo + license.
How many dentist and physical therapist jobs are open right now?
Right now our board has 91 dentist openings and 293 physical therapist openings, each linking to the original posting. The board refreshes every night, so the counts move with the market. Hiring the most dentists at the moment: Direct employer (60), Veterans Health Administration (11), Indian Health Service (5). For physical therapists: Physio Swiss (101), Direct employer (65), Veterans Health Administration (11).
Pay is the posted middle half; readiness is how much of the other role’s skill demand a typical profile covers. Refreshed nightly.