General Dentist Lifestyle in California
Real insights from 16 General Dentist physicians in California on work-life balance, career satisfaction, and what it's really like to practice in this area.
3.1/5
Satisfaction
56%
Would Choose Again
$418k
Avg Comp
36
Avg Hours/Week
What General Dentist Physicians in California Say
"5 days. No complaints."
Bay Area, California9 years expPrivate Practice – Solo38 hrs/wk
"Work 4 day a week, see around 20-30 patient a day. No PTO but can call off few days in advance as much as i want. I make for what i work."
Northridge, California5 years expPrivate Practice – Group16 hrs/wk
"4 day work week with 2 Fridays half day per month. "
California21 years expPrivate Practice – Solo31 hrs/wk
"Work 5 days a week. Sometimes sat or sun to work on administrative duties. I hate it because even though I’m making good income but I don’t have a family life. Recently cut my days to 4 and started doing other investments. I’m blessed with being very good at what I do and have very extensive after grad training. My fees are average and I didn’t seek money but just enjoyed dentistry and the business and it kept growing. But my health took a hit when everything I do is dentistry. Now I’m cutting back. "
California15 years expPrivate Practice – Solo55 hrs/wk
"Good work life balance. Stress full at times. I like to work and run a busy practice. I have a good working relationship with my employees. I put in about an hour a day extra work at home for practice management. Area of work is semi rural. Less competition. "
Escondido, California21 years expPrivate Practice – Solo32 hrs/wk
"bread and butter dentistry with extractions and RCTs"
Yorba Linda, California1 years expPrivate Practice – Solo48 hrs/wk
What They Love About General Dentist in California
"Goal is to become a practice owner in 2-4 years."— Northridge, California • 5 years
"Staff is a major headache "— California • 22 years
"too much running around from room to room hustling. Less administrative task "— California • 21 years
"I wish I can have a system where the practice doesn’t depend on me. "— California • 15 years
"More vacation time. I'm a solo practitioner. This means when I don't work the practice does not produce. "— Escondido, California • 21 years
"Finding a private practice job as a new graduate in California was challenging. I got it through family and school connections. "— Yorba Linda, California • 1 years
Most Common Practice Settings in California
Private Practice – Solo
9 physicians (56%)
Public Health / Community Clinic (FQHC)
2 physicians (13%)
Private Practice – Group
2 physicians (13%)
DSO (Dental Service Organization)
2 physicians (13%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the General Dentist lifestyle like in California?
Based on 16 physicians, General Dentist in California averages 3.1/5 satisfaction, 36 hours per week, with 56% saying they'd choose the specialty again. Most practice in Private Practice – Solo settings.
How much do General Dentist physicians make in California?
Average compensation for General Dentist in California is $418,031 based on verified submissions.See detailed salary breakdown →
Should I choose General Dentist in California?
With 56% of General Dentist physicians in California saying they'd choose again, and 3.1/5 average satisfaction, it shows positive career outlook. Consider factors like practice setting preferences, desired work hours, and call schedule tolerance when deciding.
Location Stats
Location:California
Physicians:16
Satisfaction:3.1/5
Avg Comp:$418k