How Much Does a Dentist Make?

A Dentist's salary can be impacted by many factors. One of the most crucial factors is experience. Dentists who have been in the profession for a long time are likely to earn more than those who are still new and building their reputations. This is because, with experience, Dentists increase their skills, knowledge, and ability to handle complex dental cases. The level of education and further training a Dentist has can also significantly affect their salary. Dentists with certifications in specialized fields often command higher salaries.

In fact, specialization is another vital aspect influencing Dentist salaries. Dentists who specialize in areas such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry, among others, often earn more compared to General Dentists. This is attributed to the additional training and skills required in these specialized areas. Lastly, location also plays a significant role in determining a Dentist's salary. Dentists practicing in urban and densely populated areas tend to earn more due to the high demand for dental services in such areas. However, in rural areas where the cost of living is lower, salaries can be relatively lower as well.

Dentist Estimated Salary

High
$104.82/hour/hr
National Average
$92.19/hour/hr
Low
$59.46/hour/hr

Top Salary Locations for Dentist Jobs

Top Salary Locations for Dentist Jobs
25%+
15% to 24%
5% to 14%
Industry Average
-5% to -14%
-15% to -24%
-25% or more

Salary for Dentist Jobs Nationwide

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireDental research efforts.
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How Do You Negotiate Salary as a Dentist?

One of the many benefits of this profession is the potential for a lucrative salary. However, to ensure you're being appropriately compensated as a Dentist, it's important that you confidently negotiate your salary. If you're a new hire, do some prior research to understand the salary range for your role in your specific location. Check out the iHireDental Salary Research Tool, which provides accurate, real-time salary data for various positions in the dental industry across different regions. Use this data to establish a reasonable salary expectation before you enter into negotiations.

Now, if you're already employed as a Dentist and believe it's time for a raise, your approach will be slightly different. Start by evaluating your performance, responsibilities, and the value you bring to your practice. Have you taken on more patients? Have you introduced new techniques or improved the practice's efficiency? These achievements should be recognized and rewarded. Again, use the iHireDental Salary Research Tool to understand the average pay for someone with your experience and skills in your area. This will provide you with a solid benchmark when discussing a raise with your employer. Remember, it's not just about asking for more; it's about demonstrating your worth and showing that you're invested in the ongoing success of the practice.

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Dentists
None
29.3%
2-4 years
20.0%
1-2 years
18.9%
4-6 years
17.7%
Less than 1 year
13.1%
6-8 years
1.0%