Dentist Salary: What Dentists Earn and Why It Varies
If you are thinking about dentistry, you have probably wondered what dentists earn. It is a fair question. Dental school takes years and money, so pay is part of any honest career decision.
This guide looks at dentist salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the government agency that tracks wages across occupations. You will see what general dentists and specialists earn, why pay varies so much, and which costs and trade-offs sit behind those numbers. You will also find questions to help you think about pay alongside the kind of work you want to do every day. All figures below come from the same BLS reference period, May 2025, so you can compare them directly.
Dentist salary: what the BLS data shows
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for dentists was $176,110 in May 2025. The median is the midpoint: half of dentists earned more and half earned less.
The BLS also reports medians by type of dentist for May 2025:
| Occupation | Median annual wage (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Oral and maxillofacial surgeons | $352,220 |
| Prosthodontists | $311,180 |
| Orthodontists | $289,140 |
| Dentists, all other specialists | $224,990 |
| Dentists, general | $170,950 |
Specialists earn more on average, and they also train longer. BLS notes that specialty training is usually a two-to-four-year residency after dental school, and oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically take four to six years.
Job prospects look steady. BLS projects that employment of dentists will grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 4,800 openings each year on average.
Why dentist pay varies
A median hides a wide range. Several factors shape what a dentist actually earns.
Type of practice and setting
Where a dentist works matters. BLS reports these May 2025 medians by industry: $219,750 in government roles, $195,330 in outpatient care centers and $173,760 in offices of dentists. Most dentists work in dental offices. Some own their practice, some are partners and others work as associates for an owner.
Specialty training
Specialists usually earn more, as the table shows. They also spend more years in training, which delays full earnings and can add cost. To see what each specialty involves, read our guide to dental specialties.
Location and experience
Pay differs by state and city. Living costs, patient demand and the number of dentists in an area all play a role. Experience matters too. A new dentist often earns less than one with many years in practice. Many new graduates also start as associates, which gives them time to build skills before deciding whether to own a practice.
Ownership and business costs
Practice owners can earn more, and they also carry business costs such as staff, equipment, rent and insurance. An owner's income depends on how the practice performs, so it can rise or fall from year to year. Owners also manage hiring, budgets and patient service, which adds work beyond the dental chair.
How to think about salary before you choose dentistry
Salary is one piece of the picture. Before you commit, consider these questions:
- What will training cost? Tuition, fees and living costs add up over four years of dental school, plus any residency.
- How long until full earnings? Specialists start practicing later than general dentists.
- What work do you enjoy? Daily tasks, patient relationships and pace differ across specialties.
- What lifestyle do you want? Practice ownership, hours and location all affect both income and balance.
Comparing related careers also helps. Our article on dentistry vs dental hygiene compares education, pay and outlook for two common paths. To plan the steps toward dental school, read our pre-dental timeline.
See the work behind the numbers
Pay data tells you what dentists earn. Time in dental settings shows you what they do to earn it. Shadowing a general dentist and a specialist can help you compare. A dental service learning trip is another option. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities.
Explore dentistry beyond the paycheck
A strong salary is one reason people choose dentistry. Enjoying the work is what keeps them there. If you want to see dental teams in action before you decide, Smiles Movement can help. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
Frequently asked questions about dentist salary
How much does a dentist make per year?
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $176,110 for dentists in May 2025. General dentists had a median of $170,950 in the same period.
Which dentists earn the most?
In May 2025, oral and maxillofacial surgeons had the highest median wage among dentists at $352,220, followed by prosthodontists and orthodontists.
Is the job outlook for dentists good?
BLS projects 6 percent employment growth for dentists from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations.