Source: SalaryDr salary data for General Dentist (N=100 verified submissions, updated February 4, 2026, data as of 2026-02-04). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
How much do general dentists make? The median general dentist salary in 2026 is $270,000, with an average of $368,140. The typical range is $215,000–$400,000 (25th–75th percentile).
Source: SalaryDr verified data • 100 submissions • Updated Feb 2026
$270,000
$368,140
$215,000
$400,000
Quick Answer: General Dentist Salary
a general dentist earns approximately $270,000 per year, with most earning between $215,000 and $400,000 annually. This translates to about $194 per hour based on a 37-hour work week.
As of February 4, 2026, a General Dentist earns approximately $270,000 per year ($22,500 monthly). Based on an average 37-hour work week, this translates to about $194 per hour.
Explore General Dentist salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all General Dentist locations.
From 100 verified physician salary submissions across the United States, SalaryDr is seeing total compensation ranging from $215,000 to $400,000, with top performers (90th percentile) earning up to $1,750,000 annually. Compared to the median physician salary of $300,000, General Dentist salaries are below the national median.
The salary progression for General Dentist shows significant growth potential. Entry-level positions start at $326,347, while those with more than 10 years of experience earn a typical salary of $403,741 – a 24% increase.
Most commonly, General Dentist physicians work in Private Practice settings (62% of submissions). On average, base salary accounts for 97% of total compensation—about $358,246—with the remaining amount coming from bonuses, profit sharing, and incentives.
Go beyond salary data. Discover real physician experiences, work-life balance insights, and what General Dentist doctors love (and would change) about their specialty.
General Dentist salaries are influenced by geographic location, years of experience, practice setting (hospital vs. private practice), subspecialty training, and local market demand. Academic positions typically offer lower base salaries but may include benefits like research opportunities and protected time.
General Dentist offers competitive compensation, with median salaries in the mid-range compared to other medical specialties.
The demand for General Dentist remains strong, driven by an aging population and increased access to healthcare. Job opportunities are expected to grow, particularly in underserved areas and growing metropolitan regions.
Planning your career path? Check out our comprehensive physician salary benchmarks to see how compensation compares across different specialties and regions.
View Physician Benchmarks| Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|
Distribution based on 100 verified physician salary submissions.
Median Salary: $270,000
Average satisfaction rating reported by General Dentist physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of General Dentist physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
Average Salary
$368,140
Median Salary
$270,000
Salary Range
$215,000 - $400,000
National Average
$368,140
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
100 local / 100 national reports
Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
Get answers to the most common questions about physician salaries in General Dentist.
Data Source: All salary information is based on verified submissions from practicing physicians and is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.
Step-by-step guide to negotiating a competitive General Dentist salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.
Research current General Dentist salary data using verified sources like SalaryDr, MGMA, and local market reports. Document the median, 25th, and 75th percentile ranges for your specialty and experience level.
Learn more →Create a comprehensive list of your qualifications, certifications, years of experience, patient outcomes, and any unique skills or subspecialty training. Quantify your contributions with specific metrics where possible.
Look beyond base salary to include benefits, bonuses, CME allowances, malpractice insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks. Calculate the total compensation value to make informed comparisons.
Develop three negotiation scenarios: your minimum acceptable offer, target salary, and ideal compensation package. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between salary and benefits.
Rehearse your negotiation conversation focusing on your value to the organization, market data, and specific reasons for your salary request. Practice addressing common objections professionally.
Request a formal meeting with decision-makers. Present your research professionally, emphasize your value, and be prepared to negotiate on multiple aspects of the compensation package.
Professional Tip: This guide provides general recommendations. Always consult with career advisors, mentors, and legal professionals for personalized advice specific to your situation.
We need more General Dentist physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.
General Dentist physicians report high career satisfaction, rating their specialty 3.5 out of 5, with 83% saying they would choose this specialty again.
Becoming a general dentist requires extensive medical training including medical school, residency, and often fellowship training. The total training time ranges from 7-8 years post-undergraduate education.
The job outlook for general dentists remains positive across most medical specialties.The specialty continues to offer stable career opportunities with competitive compensation.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|
| Private Practice – Solo | $441,934 | 32 submissions |
| Private Practice – Group | $423,932 | 30 submissions |
| DSO (Dental Service Organization) | $293,873 | 22 submissions |
| Corporate-Owned Practice (non-DSO) | $267,500 | 4 submissions |
| Public Health / Community Clinic (FQHC) | $220,850 | 8 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Sample Size |
|---|
| 0-2 years | $245,329 | 31 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $361,612 | 41 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $423,710 | 10 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $604,225 | 7 submissions |
| 16+ years | $537,818 | 11 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.