Source: SalaryDr salary data for General Dentist (N=109 verified submissions, updated April 17, 2026, data as of 2026-04-17). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Explore verified general dentist salary data from 100+ submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.
Median total compensation from 100+ verified reports.
109+ General Dentist salaries shared. Yours unlocks them all.
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Median total compensation from 100+ verified reports.
MEDIAN TOTAL COMP
$250,000
AVERAGE BASE
$200,000
AVG BONUS / INCENTIVE
$50,000
100% received
AVG WORKLOAD
36
hrs/wkModel: Fixed Salary
Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Vision Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Vacation · Paid Sick Leave · Paid Holidays · Paid Continuing Education · Paid Parental/Adoption Leave
Model: Fixed Salary
None of the above
Model: Fixed Salary
Dental Insurance
Model: Fixed Salary
Model: Fixed Salary
Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Paid Holidays · Paid Vacation · Paid Sick Leave
Model: Fixed Salary
None of the above
109+ General Dentist salaries shared. Yours unlocks them all.
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Data-driven answers for General Dentist
The median dentist salary is $250,000 in 2026 in General Dentist, based on 109 verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $286,428, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for dentists in General Dentist is $200,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $50,000. Total compensation ($250,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Dentists in General Dentist work an average of 36 hours per week, based on 109 verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Dentists in General Dentist report 70% satisfaction with their careers, and 83% 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 $250,000 gross typically takes home $155,000-$180,000 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 109 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.
Data-driven answers for General Dentist
The median dentist salary is $250,000 in 2026 in General Dentist, based on 109 verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $286,428, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for dentists in General Dentist is $200,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $50,000. Total compensation ($250,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Dentists in General Dentist work an average of 36 hours per week, based on 109 verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Dentists in General Dentist report 70% satisfaction with their careers, and 83% 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 $250,000 gross typically takes home $155,000-$180,000 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 109 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.