Dentist salaries vary significantly depending on the country, experience, specialization, and location.
United States
- The average annual salary for a dentist is about $232,310 according to recent data
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $179,210 as of May 2024, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033
- Specialist dentists tend to earn more, with average salaries such as:
- Orthodontists: $319,172
- Oral surgeons: $282,000
- General dentists: $235,997
- Pedodontists: $251,500
- Endodontists: $198,827
- Salaries can vary widely by state and city. For example, general dentists in Vermont earn around $260,380 annually, while those in Illinois earn about $165,760. In California, San Francisco dentists earn around $256,070, whereas Los Angeles dentists earn about $165,040
- Practice owners often earn more than associates, with some owners making $300,000 to $500,000 or more annually, depending on location and workload
Netherlands
- Dentists earn an average annual salary of approximately EUR 136,200 (about $145,000), with monthly earnings around EUR 11,350.
- Entry-level dentists earn about EUR 3,000-3,500 per month, while experienced dentists can make up to EUR 207,800 annually (EUR 17,316 monthly)
Summary
Dentist salaries depend heavily on factors such as:
- Geographic location (country, state, city)
- Level of experience and education
- Type of practice (owner vs. associate)
- Specialty within dentistry
In the U.S., general dentists typically earn between $180,000 and $250,000 annually, while specialists and practice owners can earn significantly more. In the Netherlands, dentists earn on average around EUR 136,200 annually, with variation by experience and location.
