How Much Do Dentists Make? A Simple Guide to Dentist Pay in 2024

Table of Contents

• Specialization
• Experience Level
• Geographic Location
• Type of Practice
• Other Contributing Factors

Introduction: Unpacking Dentist Salaries

Every time someone asks, “How much do dentists make?” I remember how this question got me interested in this job. Let’s not waste time: while the average dentist in the U.S. makes about $190,000 to $210,000 a year, this number doesn’t tell the whole story. Things like your job type, where you work, how long you’ve worked, and if you own a practice can make that number much higher—or sometimes lower than you’d think.

When I first looked into being a dentist, I thought there was just one salary number. But I learned fast that everything from your first job as a general dentist to owning your own office has different money stuff going on. If you’re thinking about becoming a dentist—or you already are one and want to see how your pay compares—let me share what I learned.

The National Average: A Starting Point

Let’s look at the big picture. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the national average dentist makes between $190,000 and $210,000 a year. The median number (that’s the middle) is a bit lower, about $165,000. This gap is because some people (like dental surgeons or busy practice owners in crowded areas) make a lot more, which pulls the average up.

When I looked this up, I found general dentists—the main kind most people see—earn between $160,000 and $220,000 a year. But that’s just for starters. Your pay can go way up or down based on a bunch of things I’ll talk about next.

Key Factors That Influence a Dentist’s Income

No two dentists make the same amount, even if they finished school together. Here’s what makes the most difference:

Specialization

If someone told me early on that picking a specialty could mean making $100,000 more each year, I might’ve picked a different path! Dentists like Oral Surgeons or Orthodontists often make between $250,000 and $450,000+. They earn more because they spend extra years in training, do harder jobs, and not as many people work in these roles.

General dentists see all sorts of patients, but specialists charge more for tricky jobs. For example, an Endodontist (the root canal expert) might see fewer people, but makes more money for each visit.

Experience Level

When I finished dental school, I was an associate, which is pretty normal. I made about $130,000 to $150,000 a year, which was solid compared to my friends just starting out. But as I got faster and had more patients, my pay went up.

• Starting Out (0-2 years): $120,000 – $160,000
• Mid-Career (5-10 years): $180,000 – $250,000
• Experienced (10+ years): $250,000 – $400,000+ (mostly owners or top experts)

For me, the big jump came when I owned my own office.

Geographic Location

I learned that “location, location, location” is true in dentistry too. Some states pay more, often because there aren’t enough dentists or living there costs more. When I thought about moving, I found dentists in Alaska or Delaware can make $290,000 or more, but in places like Utah or West Virginia, you might get closer to $150,000.

City vs. rural is a big deal too. In the country, there might not be many dentists, so pay is often higher—but you might have old tools or drive a lot. In big cities, there’s more competition and everything costs more, which can lower your salary.

Type of Practice

I’ve worked lots of places, and each pays differently:

• Own Your Office: You can make a lot—sometimes twice what others make—but you have more to worry about, like hiring people, paying for repairs, and bills. A good dental lab partner helps a lot.
• Associate Dentist: As an employee, you earn a set amount and don’t have to run things. Good if you want less stress—especially out of school.
• Corporate Dentistry (DSO): Big groups give steady pay and benefits, but sometimes less freedom.
• Public Health/Government: Pay is lower, but you get good hours and help with student loans—nice if you owe a lot for school.
• Teaching Dentistry: If you like teaching, it’s great, but the money isn’t as good as in private practice.

Other Contributing Factors

Little things add up too. How many patients you see, what kind of jobs you do (simple checkups or implants), and how well you manage your workday all matter. Learning new skills can mean more pay, but it costs time and money at first.

And don’t forget all the stuff you have to pay for: supplies, equipment (using a digital dental lab can save money), staff pay, insurance, and more. These eat up a big chunk of what your office makes.

Dentist Salary Breakdown by Specialization

Want to see how pay looks in each dental job? Here’s what I found from surveys and chatting with my coworkers:

So, picking a specialty means more school, but also higher pay later. I remember watching an Oral Surgeon who was booked out for months—he was at the top of the pay range, but he had to do harder jobs and needed more schooling.

Regional Salary Deep Dive: Where Dentists Earn the Most (and Least)

I’ve seen friends move just for better pay or hours. Here’s what I noticed:

Best-Paying States:

• Delaware: $290,000 – $320,000
• Alaska: $280,000 – $310,000
• Rhode Island, North Carolina, Massachusetts: All often over $250,000

Why? Usually, not enough dentists, or it’s tough to live there. In rural Alaska, people drive hours for a dentist—so offices can charge more.

Lower Pay States:

• Utah, West Virginia, and nearby: $140,000 – $170,000

These places usually have more dentists, things are cheaper, and fewer people get expensive dental work done.

Even in one state, big cities cost more to run an office (rent, supplies, helpers), but in the country, living costs are lower. Cities may have more patients and better dental technology, which can help you earn more—if you work hard.

Is Dentistry a Good Investment? ROI and Future Outlook

Let’s be honest: dental school costs a lot. My loans were over $300,000, which is what most people owe now. The real question we all ask: Is it worth it?

Simple math:

If you start around $140,000 and get to $250,000 in ten years—even with huge loans—you’ll probably earn more than many other healthcare jobs (and way more than most new grads). Plus, it’s a job the government says will keep growing (the BLS says a 3% rise in the next ten years).

But know the facts. After taxes, bills, insurance, and loans, your money at the end of the month might not look great—at least at first. As you own your own place or learn new high-paying skills—like implants or cosmetic work using help from a veneer lab—things can get better fast.

For me, the key isn’t just looking at pay, but also how you want to work, how much debt you’ll take, and what kind of life you want. If you stick with it through the hard early years, it usually pays off.

Dentist Salary Compared to Other Jobs

When I meet students or people thinking of switching jobs, they always ask: “How does being a dentist compare to being a doctor—or even other health jobs?”

Here’s what I found:

• Vs. Regular Doctors: Most general doctors (MDs) make a little less than most dentists. But medical experts (like heart doctors or surgeons) can make more—often $300,000+.
• Vs. Other Health Jobs: Dentists usually make more than pharmacists, physician assistants, or eye doctors.
• Work/Life Balance: Dentists are more in control of their hours and have less late-night emergencies compared to hospital jobs—a big plus for many, me included.

I also learned that while doctors and dentists both go to school for a long time and owe a lot, dentists have a better chance to own their own business and, with smart choices and a good dental ceramics lab team, can make more take-home money.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision about a Dental Career

Looking back, the advice I’d give myself is this: salary is just the start. Whether you’re a student, parent, or dentist already, your pay depends on your job, your effort, and where you work. Who your patients are, what you owe, and how you balance work and life matter a lot, too.

What I learned—and what I always share—is that dentists can make good money. Still, you have to plan, work hard, and keep learning. If you can get through the early tough years and keep getting better at what you do, you can build a great career—with good pay and helping others.

Wondering what’s next? Look into dental specialties to find what you enjoy. Check out dental schools and think about if the costs are worth it. If you’re already a dentist, maybe owning a practice, picking a specialty, or trying out new tools in a digital dental lab can help you do even better.

Remember: Every dentist’s path is different. Finding the right mix of what you like, what you’re good at, and planning smartly can decide not just how much you earn, but also the difference you make for your patients and in your job.