General Dentist salary: how much do dentists make?
As of 2024, the median general dentist in the U.S. earns $179,210 ($86.16/hr).
BLS OEWS May 2024 for Dentists, General (29-1021). The 90th-percentile and top wages are top-coded by BLS at $239,200/yr, so the upper tail is understated.
What does a dentist earn where you are?
Pick a state and metro for a local estimate, and see how it compares to the national median.
A clearly-labeled local estimate — the verified national benchmark adjusted for location. Open the full calculator to add experience, setting, and your offer.
Pay distribution
Full general dentist wage distribution. Values marked “est.” are interpolated between published percentiles.
| Percentile | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| 10th percentilei | $84,740 |
| 25th percentilei | $120,166est. |
| Median (50th)i | $179,210 |
| 75th percentilei | $216,704est. |
| 90th percentilei | $239,200+ |
| Mean (average)i | $180,830 |
What drives dentist pay
- Production and collections (many dentists earn a percentage of production)
- Practice ownership vs. associate/employee status
- Geographic cost of labor and patient demand
- Years of experience and clinical speed
- Procedure mix (implants, endo, and crowns pay more than hygiene-adjacent work)
- DSO vs. private practice compensation structure
About the role
General dentists examine teeth and tissues, diagnose oral diseases, restore and remove teeth, and educate patients on oral health. Most own or work in private practices; a growing share work for dental service organizations (DSOs). Compensation often combines a base salary with production- or collection-based pay.
Career path
- DDS or DMD degree (4 years post-bachelor's)
- Associate dentist at a private practice or DSO
- Practice ownership or partnership
- Optional 2–6 year residency to specialize (ortho, OMS, perio, endo, pedo, prostho)
Typical responsibilities
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues to diagnose disease
- Restore, fill, and extract teeth
- Interpret diagnostic radiographs and scans
- Administer anesthetics and prescribe medication
- Lead a clinical team of hygienists and assistants
General Dentist salary by state
Top modeled estimates. See all states →
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