Dentists' annual earnings vary significantly depending on location, experience, specialty, and whether they work in private practice or the public sector.
United States
- The average dentist salary in the U.S. is approximately $232,310 per year according to recent data from Indeed
- State averages vary widely, with top-paying states like Delaware and Connecticut offering salaries over $215,000 to $227,000 per year , while others like California average around $181,000
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average is around $170,910 , but this can be higher in metropolitan areas or for specialists
- Dental specialists such as oral surgeons, orthodontists, and anesthesiologists can earn significantly more, with median salaries ranging from about $234,000 to $393,000 per year
- Experience also influences pay; dentists with 10-19 years of experience earn on average about $169,000 , compared to about $148,000 for those with 1-4 years of experience
- Dentists working in government roles often earn more than those in private practice, with government salaries exceeding $200,000 in some cases
United Kingdom
- NHS dentists’ salaries start at about £40,776 per year for those in training, rising to between £50,512 and £108,038 for salaried dentists, depending on experience and role
- Consultants in dental specialties earn between £99,532 and £131,964 annually, with additional awards possible
- Private practice dentists in the UK can earn more, but salaries vary widely
Netherlands
- Starting gross monthly salaries for dentists range from about €3,000 to €3,500 , increasing with experience to between €8,000 and €12,000 per month after several years, which translates roughly to €36,000 to €144,000 annually depending on progress and negotiation
Summary
Dentists in the U.S. typically earn between $170,000 and $230,000+ per year , with specialists earning more. In the UK, NHS dentists earn roughly £40,000 to £130,000 depending on seniority and specialty. In the Netherlands, annual salaries range widely from about €36,000 to over €140,000 depending on experience. This wide range reflects differences in location, specialization, experience, and employment setting
