Explore verified dentist salary data from 19 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.
4.3/5 avg rating · 19+ total reports.
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4.3/5 avg rating · 19+ total reports.
MEDIAN TOTAL COMP
$565,000
AVERAGE BASE
$330,000
AVG BONUS / INCENTIVE
$55,000
100% received
AVG WORKLOAD
31
hrs/wkModel: Percentage of Production
What could be improved
“Less administrative burden”
Work-life balance
“I work 4-5 days a week as an independent contractor across 7 different offices in the tri-state area and get paid on percentage production”
None of the above
Model: Percentage of Production
None of the above
Model: Fixed Salary
Dental Insurance · Medical Insurance
Model: Fixed Salary
Paid Continuing Education · Medical Insurance · Vision Insurance · Paid Holidays · Paid Sick Leave · Dental Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Vacation · Paid Parental/Adoption Leave
Paid Vacation · Paid Continuing Education · Medical Insurance · Paid Holidays · Paid Sick Leave
Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Vision Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Holidays · Paid Vacation
19+ dentists already shared. See how you compare.
Dental student?
Browse All 19 Submissions
Search, filter, and compare across every dental specialty
Explore orthodontist salary data across different states. Click on any state to view detailed compensation information for that location.
Real answers powered by 0+ verified salary submissions
The median dentist salary is $565,000 in 2026, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $728,474, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for dentists is $330,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $55,000. Total compensation ($565,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Dentists work an average of 31 hours per week, based on 0+ verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Dentists report 86% satisfaction with their careers, and 84% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.
Private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.
New dentists starting their careers earn $150,000-$200,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.
1099/locums dentists earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.
A dentist earning $565,000 gross typically takes home $350,300-$406,800 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.
SalaryDr salary data comes from 0+ anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.
Help improve salary transparency
Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.
Real answers powered by 0+ verified salary submissions
The median dentist salary is $565,000 in 2026, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $728,474, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for dentists is $330,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $55,000. Total compensation ($565,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Dentists work an average of 31 hours per week, based on 0+ verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Dentists report 86% satisfaction with their careers, and 84% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.
Private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.
New dentists starting their careers earn $150,000-$200,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.
1099/locums dentists earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.
A dentist earning $565,000 gross typically takes home $350,300-$406,800 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.
SalaryDr salary data comes from 0+ anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.
Help improve salary transparency
Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.