How Much Do Dentists Make?
$163,220median annual salary
$78.47/hour · $13,602/month · BLS Code: 29-1020
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide preventive care, restorative procedures, and cosmetic treatments. Many dentists own their practices, which can significantly increase their income beyond base salary.
Dentist Salary at a Glance
Entry Level
$80,000
Starting salary
Median
$163,220
50th percentile
Senior Level
$250,000
Experienced professionals
Top 10%
$295,000
90th percentile
Salary Range
Salary by Experience Level
Top Paying States for Dentists
#1
Delaware
$258,350
#2
Alaska
$243,100
#3
Rhode Island
$237,780
#4
Minnesota
$229,310
#5
New Hampshire
$226,440
Top Paying Cities for Dentists
Education & Requirements
Education
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) — 4 years after bachelor's
Typical Degree
DDS or DMD
Certifications
Job Outlook
+4%
Projected Growth (2022-2032)
155,000
Total Employed
BLS Outlook Category
Get Glen’s Updates
Investing insights, new tools, and whatever I’m building this week. Free. No spam.
Unsubscribe anytime. I respect your inbox more than Congress respects property rights.
Dentist Salary FAQ
How much do dentists make a year?
The median annual salary is about $163,220, but practice owners and specialists typically earn $200,000-$400,000+. Orthodontists and oral surgeons are among the highest-paid dental specialists.
How long does it take to become a dentist?
8 years after high school: 4 years of undergraduate study plus 4 years of dental school. Specialists complete an additional 2-6 years of residency training.
Do dentists make more than doctors?
Generally no — physicians as a group earn more, especially specialists. However, general dentists often earn comparable salaries to primary care physicians, and dental practice owners can earn very high incomes.
Is dentistry a good career?
Yes. Dentistry offers high income, practice autonomy, work-life balance (most dentists work regular hours), and 4% job growth. The main downside is high dental school debt ($250,000-$350,000 average).
Related Careers
Recommended Resources
Tools & books I actually use and recommend
SeekingAlpha Premium
Quant ratings, earnings transcripts, and the stock analysis community where I published 300+ articles.
Try SeekingAlphaA Random Walk Down Wall Street
Burton Malkiel's classic case for index investing. The book that convinced millions to stop stock-picking.
View on AmazonThe Little Book of Common Sense Investing
John Bogle's manifesto on why low-cost index funds beat everything else. Straight from the founder of Vanguard.
View on AmazonSome links above are affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use. See my full disclosures.
Keep Exploring
All Career Salary Guides
Compare dentist pay to 40+ other careers.
Read moreCalculatorSalary to Hourly Calculator
Convert annual salary to hourly, weekly, and monthly pay.
Read moreCalculatorNet Worth by Age
See how your net worth compares to others your age.
Read moreCalculatorFIRE Calculator
How long until financial independence at your salary?
Read moreCalculatorSavings Rate Calculator
What savings rate does your salary support?
Read moreCalculatorInvestment Fee Calculator
See how fees erode your retirement savings over time.
Read moreSalary data is based on BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry surveys, and widely-reported compensation benchmarks. Figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions. This is educational content — not career or financial advice.