Dentist Salary in USA 2025
General practice vs specialist pay, practice ownership, and state comparison
BLS Median (All Dentists)
How Much Do Dentists Earn in 2025?
Dentists are highly trained healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat oral health conditions, ranging from routine cleanings and cavity fillings to complex surgical procedures. They represent one of the highest-paid healthcare professions, with compensation varying dramatically based on specialization and practice ownership.
2025 dentist salaries show wide variation: BLS median sits at $179,210, with general dentists averaging $180,000–$196,100 and specialists earning $250,000–$600,000+ depending on specialty. The specialty you choose matters enormously.
Practice ownership dramatically impacts earnings: owner dentists average $320,300–$695,000, while associate dentists earn $177,110–$225,900. Oral surgeons are the highest-paid at $400,000–$600,000+, followed by orthodontists at $254,600–$375,000+. Dentistry consistently ranks among jobs that pay $100K+. For broader context, see the average salary in the US. For related roles, see our dental hygienist salary guide.
General Dentist Salary
General dentists provide preventive care, diagnose oral conditions, and perform restorative procedures. They represent the majority of practicing dentists.
| Category | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| BLS median (all dentists) | $179,210 |
| General dentist average | $196,100 |
| Associate dentist | $177,110–$225,900 |
| Practice owner | $228,220–$320,300 |
| Corporate/DSO dentist | $433,470 |
| Academic dentist | $120,000–$180,000 |
| Community health clinic | $130,000–$170,000 |
Compensation Factors
Experience: New graduates typically start as associates earning $150,000–$180,000. After 5–10 years, established dentists earn $200,000+.
Patient volume: Production-based compensation ties income directly to procedures performed. High-volume practices generate higher income.
Insurance vs. fee-for-service: Practices with higher fee-for-service percentages often achieve better reimbursement rates.
Dental Specialist Salaries: Comprehensive Breakdown
Dental specialists complete 2–6 additional years of training beyond dental school. This investment pays off handsomely—specialists earn 50–300% more than general dentists.
| Specialty | Average Salary | High-End Range | Key Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | $400,000 | $500K–$600K+ | Wisdom teeth, implants, jaw surgery |
| Endodontist | $330,000–$451,000 | $400,000+ | Root canals, complex pulp therapy |
| Orthodontist | $254,600–$309,400 | $375K–$450K+ | Braces, aligners, bite correction |
| Prosthodontist | $239,200+ | $300,000+ | Crowns, bridges, dentures, implants |
| Periodontist | $210,000–$280,000 | $300,000+ | Gum disease, tissue grafts |
| Pediatric Dentist | $200,000–$260,000 | $280,000+ | Children's dentistry |
Why Oral Surgeons Earn the Most
Longest training: 4–6 years beyond dental school (vs. 2–3 for other specialties).
Highest complexity: Perform major surgeries including jaw reconstruction, facial trauma repair, and cancer treatment.
Hospital privileges: Often work in hospital settings with OR access, enabling complex procedures.
Limited supply: Rigorous training limits the number of oral surgeons, maintaining high demand and compensation.
Orthodontist Income Potential
Orthodontists benefit from predictable, high-volume treatment (braces/aligners) with strong patient flow. A busy orthodontic practice can generate $1M+ in revenue, translating to $300,000–$450,000 owner income. The rise of clear aligner therapy (Invisalign) has expanded the market while maintaining strong margins.
Practice Ownership vs. Associate Dentist Salary
The ownership decision is the second-biggest income driver after specialization.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private practice owner | $228,220–$695,000 | Retains all profit; higher risk/responsibility |
| Corporate/DSO dentist | $433,470 | Stable income, less autonomy, volume-driven |
| Associate dentist | $177,110–$225,900 | Salary + benefits, no ownership risk |
| Specialist owner | $250,000–$600,000+ | Specialty premium + ownership upside |
The Ownership Premium
Practice owners typically earn $50,000–$400,000+ more than associates. The premium comes from: profit retention (typically 30–40% of collections after overhead), equity building (practices sell for 60–80% of annual revenue), and control over schedule, staff, and clinical decisions.
DSO (Dental Service Organization) Path
Corporate dentistry (DSO employment) offers a middle ground: higher compensation than traditional associateships ($433,470 average) with less administrative burden than ownership. Trade-offs include less clinical autonomy and production pressure.
Dentist Salary by State
Geographic location significantly impacts dentist compensation, driven by cost of living, market saturation, and insurance reimbursement rates.
Highest-Paying States
| State | Average Dentist Salary |
|---|---|
| Vermont | $240,740 |
| Rhode Island | $235,000+ |
| Delaware | $230,000+ |
| Alaska | $225,000+ |
| New Hampshire | $220,000+ |
Lower-Paying States
| State | Average Dentist Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $136,200 |
| Louisiana | $145,000 |
| West Virginia | $150,000 |
Understanding State Variation
Vermont's high average ($240,740) reflects: lower dentist-to-population ratio, strong insurance reimbursement, and affluent patient base. Hawaii's low average ($136,200) reflects: market saturation in Honolulu, high operating costs, and tourism-focused economy with less emphasis on routine dental care.
What Dentists Do: Role and Specializations
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation differences.
Core Responsibilities
Dentists: diagnose oral diseases and conditions, perform preventive care (cleanings, fluoride, sealants), provide restorative treatment (fillings, crowns, bridges), extract teeth and perform oral surgery, create treatment plans and educate patients, manage practice operations (if owner), and supervise dental hygienists and assistants.
Work Environments
Private practice: Solo or group practice—most common setting
DSO/Corporate: Dental service organizations with standardized operations
Academic: Dental schools combining teaching, research, and clinical care
Community health: Federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations
Hospital: Primarily oral surgeons and specialists treating complex cases
Education Path
Becoming a dentist requires: 4-year bachelor's degree (pre-dental coursework), 4-year dental school (DDS or DMD), plus 2–6 additional years for specialization. Total investment: 8–14 years of higher education and $200,000–$400,000+ in educational debt for most graduates.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Dentistry offers stable employment with strong income potential.
Specialist Demand
Specialists represent only 21% of dentists, creating strong demand and high pay for those who specialize. The limited supply of oral surgeons, endodontists, and orthodontists maintains premium compensation.
Career Progression
Typical path: General dentist (associate) → Practice owner or DSO employment → Multi-location owner or specialty practice
For specialists: Residency completion → Associate or group practice → Practice ownership → Multi-site or academic leadership
ROI Analysis
Despite $200,000–$400,000 in educational debt, dentistry offers strong ROI. A general dentist earning $200,000 can reasonably pay off debt within 10–15 years while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Specialists accelerate this timeline significantly.
How to Increase Your Dentist Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost dental income.
Specialize
Oral surgery, endodontics, and orthodontics earn 2–3x general dentist salaries. The additional 2–6 years of training yields $100,000–$400,000+ in additional annual income.
Own Your Practice
Practice ownership adds $50,000–$400,000+ annually compared to associateships. Build or buy a practice to capture the full value of your production.
Work in High-Paying States or Underserved Areas
Vermont, Rhode Island, and Alaska pay significantly more than Hawaii and Louisiana. Rural and underserved areas often offer premium compensation plus loan repayment programs.
Offer High-Margin Services
Cosmetic dentistry (veneers, whitening), implants, and sedation dentistry command premium fees. Building expertise in profitable procedures increases practice profitability.
Build Patient Volume
Production directly correlates with income for most compensation models. Efficient scheduling, strong recall systems, and patient retention maximize revenue.
Negotiate Effectively
Whether negotiating an associate contract or DSO employment, understand your market value. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average dentist salary in 2025?
The BLS median for all dentists is $179,210. General dentists average $180,000–$196,100, while specialists earn $200,000–$600,000+ depending on specialty. Practice owners earn significantly more than associates.
How much do dental specialists make?
Dental specialist salaries by specialty: Oral surgeons ($400,000–$600,000+), Endodontists ($330,000–$451,000), Orthodontists ($254,600–$375,000), Prosthodontists ($239,200–$300,000+), Periodontists ($210,000–$280,000), Pediatric dentists ($200,000–$260,000).
Do dentists who own their practice make more?
Yes, significantly. Practice owners earn $228,220–$695,000 on average, compared to $177,110–$225,900 for associates. The ownership premium ranges from $50,000 to $400,000+ depending on practice success.
Which dental specialty pays the most?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery pays the most, with average salaries around $400,000 and high earners reaching $500,000–$600,000+. This reflects the 4–6 year residency (longest in dentistry) and complexity of procedures.
Is dentistry a good career in 2025?
Yes. Dentistry offers: high income ($180,000–$600,000+ depending on path), job stability (essential healthcare service), work-life balance options (especially for practice owners), intellectual challenge, and direct patient impact. Trade-offs include extensive education (8+ years), significant debt ($200,000–$400,000), and physical demands (back/neck strain).