Private Practice Dentist Salaries
Traditional independent dental practices owned by dentists, ranging from solo practices to group practices.
Based on 139 approved salary reports, private practice dentists report a median of $304,000 a year; the middle half report $231,000 to $600,000.
Salary reports are self-reported and anonymous; each is moderated before it is published. They are not NPI-verified.
Key Benefits
- Practice ownership
- Higher earning potential
- Clinical autonomy
- Business control
- Flexible scheduling
Key Challenges
- Business responsibilities
- Financial risk
- Administrative overhead
- Insurance negotiations
- Staff management
Details
Salary Distribution
Distribution based on 139 approved dental salary reports.
Median Salary: $304,000
Salary by Experience Level
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $325,858 | 43 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $439,918 | 41 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $485,000 | 20 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $830,000 | 13 submissions |
| 16+ years | $955,000 | 22 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 5 approved reports are not shown.
Satisfaction
Average satisfaction reported by private practice dentists (135 ratings, 1–5 scale).
Share who would choose their specialty again (130 answers).
Frequently Asked Questions
What do private practice dentists earn?
Based on 139 approved salary reports, private practice dentists report a median of $304,000 a year; the middle half report $231,000 to $600,000.
What are the benefits of private practice?
Practice ownership, Higher earning potential, Clinical autonomy, Business control, Flexible scheduling.
What challenges do private practice dentists face?
Business responsibilities, Financial risk, Administrative overhead, Insurance negotiations, Staff management.
How many days a week do private practice dentists work?
Private practice dentists who reported it work an average of 4.2 days a week (5 reports) and see about 28 patients a day (13 reports).
What collection rate do private practice dentists report?
An average collection rate of 42%, from the 13 reports that include one.
Compare Other Options
Corporate Dental (DSO)
Large dental service organizations providing business support to dental practices
Academic/University
University-affiliated dental schools and academic medical centers
Public Health/Community
Community health centers, government agencies, and military dental services
Mobile/Portable Dentistry
Mobile dental units serving nursing homes, schools, and underserved communities
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