How much does a Dentist make?

The average salary for a Dentist is $226,768 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 4481 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Dentist employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Dentist in United States is $297,812 per year.

The lowest salary for a Dentist in United States is $174,127 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Dentist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Dentist.

Dentists are among the most highly paid professionals. This salary reflects the field’s high educational barriers to entry and in-demand work. Dentists work full time, and often face irregular, holiday and overnight hours. While on duty, they may travel in between their primary care offices and an affiliated hospital. Some dentists work in group settings to coordinate patient care, which reduces independence but improves flexibility. Dentists trained by the top-ranking dental schools and those employed by the wealthiest hospitals often earn the highest pay.

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On average, 72% of dentists are satisfied with their current salary. Additionally, overtime, profit sharing, and performance bonuses can help dentists earn an extra $36,853.29 of additional pay, depending on the state in which they are employed.

As a dentist, your salary can range between $137,359.51 and $378,411.12, with an average salary of $189,914.94. By following a traditional dentist career path, your earnings can increase as you gain more experience. As they progress through their career, many dentists choose to open their own dental practice or purchase a pre-existing one as an effective way to maximize their earning potential.

A simple way to earn more money as a dentist is to work more hours. In the majority of cases, you will be paid overtime if you work over 40 hours per week, which can dramatically increase your earnings. This is especially true if you work on public holidays. You can also choose to complete a residency program in order to specialize in a particular area of dentistry. You can then expect a dramatic increase in compensation due to the highly specialized skills you'll acquire. You also have the option to take on managerial responsibilities in order to increase your earnings further.

You will likely benefit from browsing dentist jobs to gain an understanding of the salary rate for your area. If your current salary is comparatively low, you can negotiate for a raise on your current job or apply for a new one. During salary negotiation as a dentist, you need to show a track record of excellent work, bringing new patients into the practice, and a good bedside manner. You can also choose to relocate to a remote area or an area with a high demand for dentists. This will put you in a favorable position to negotiate a high salary.