How much do dentists make in 2026?

The median dentist salary is $295,000 per year in 2026. The average is $395,679, based on 178 verified submissions on SalaryDr. Compensation varies by specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

Do private practice dentists make more than employed dentists?

Yes, private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed dentists. However, private practice involves greater income variability and business overhead. Practice owners often rank in the top 10% of earners in their specialty.

What is the take-home pay for a dentist earning $295,000?

A dentist earning $295,000 typically takes home $182,900-$212,400 annually after federal and state taxes. Actual take-home depends on filing status, state tax rates, retirement contributions, and tax-advantaged accounts.

How is dentist salary data on SalaryDr collected?

SalaryDr collects dentist salary data from 178 anonymous, NPI-verified submissions. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, and practice setting. Data is updated daily as new submissions are approved.

What is the highest paying dental specialty in 2026?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the highest-paying dental specialty in 2026, with median salaries exceeding $400,000 per year. Orthodontics and Endodontics also rank among the top-earning dental specialties.

Do DSO dentists make more or less than private practice?

Private practice dentists generally earn more than DSO-employed dentists, with higher ceiling potential through practice ownership. DSO positions offer predictable salary and benefits but less upside. The gap depends on specialty, location, and production volume.

Dentist Salary Explorer

Explore real dentist salary data by specialty, location, and practice type. Updated daily with anonymous submissions from verified dental professionals.

Dentist Salary in All Regions

$295,000Median Total Comp (0+ Salaries)

Updated 4/1/2026

Dentist Salary in All Regions

$295,000Median Total Comp (0+ Salaries)

Updated 4/1/2026

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Dentist Salary Explorer

Explore real dentist salary data by specialty, location, and practice type. Updated daily with anonymous submissions from verified dental professionals.

Dentist Salary in All Regions

$295,000Median Total Comp (0+ Salaries)

Updated 4/1/2026

Dentist Salary in All Regions

$295,000Median Total Comp (0+ Salaries)

Updated 4/1/2026

Recent Submissions

View All Salaries

Browse All 0+ Salary Submissions

Search, filter, and compare dentist salaries across every specialty and state

How satisfied are you in your dental specialty?

Submit Your Salary

Help Improve Salary Transparency

Share your anonymous salary data to help fellow dental professionals negotiate better compensation.

Submit Your Salary

Help other dentists - to grow the community.Help other dental professionals make informed career decisions - to continue growing the community.

Dentist Salary Explorer

Dentist Salary in All Regions

Dentist Salary in All Regions

salaryDr Insights

Recent Submissions

salaryDr Insights

How satisfied are you in your dental specialty?

Help Improve Salary Transparency

Explore More Dental Resources

Salary Tools

Career Resources

Contribute

Dentist Salary Explorer

Dentist Salary in All Regions

Dentist Salary in All Regions

salaryDr Insights

Recent Submissions

salaryDr Insights

How satisfied are you in your dental specialty?

Help Improve Salary Transparency

Explore More Dental Resources

Salary Tools

Career Resources

Contribute