How much do dentists make in 2026?

The median dentist salary is $291,000 in 2026, based on 169 verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $392,350.

Do private practice dentists make more than employed dentists?

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 often reach the top 10% of earners.

What is the take-home pay for a dentist earning $291,000?

A dentist earning $291,000 gross typically takes home $180,420-$209,520 after federal taxes, state taxes, and deductions. Tax-advantaged accounts can improve take-home significantly.

How is dentist salary data on SalaryDr collected?

SalaryDr salary data comes from 169 anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Data includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, and practice setting, updated in real-time.

What is the highest paying dental specialty in 2026?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is typically the highest-paying dental specialty in 2026, with median salaries often exceeding $400,000/year. Orthodontics and Endodontics also command premium compensation.

Do DSO dentists make more or less than private practice?

Private practice dentists generally have higher earning potential than DSO (Dental Service Organization) employed dentists, though with more business risk. DSO positions offer stable salary and benefits, while private practice owners can earn significantly more through profit sharing.

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

$291,000Median Total Comp (169 Salaries)

Updated 3/17/2026

Dentist Salary in All Regions

$291,000Median Total Comp (169 Salaries)

Updated 3/17/2026

Recent Submissions

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Browse All 169 Salary Submissions

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

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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

$291,000Median Total Comp (169 Salaries)

Updated 3/17/2026

Dentist Salary in All Regions

$291,000Median Total Comp (169 Salaries)

Updated 3/17/2026

Recent Submissions

View All Salaries

Browse All 169 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