Hey! Looking into becoming a dentist? Or, making sure your salary/offer is competitive in today's marketplace?
Look no further! Today's dentists continue to enjoy strong earning power in 2025, with salaries often surpassing $170K. Whether you're planning a career path, starting a specialty office, or expanding your services, understanding these salary benchmarks—and investing in the right technology—can help maximize your return.
Oh, and while you're here we'll go ahead and introduce ourselves. We're Renew Digital, we've been in the business of dentistry for over 14 years helping dentists and specialists save money on one of the most significant investments you'll make for your practice - your imaging equipment.
We save our customers 30-50% on digital imaging so their salary can stretch further!
Here's an updated overview of average incomes for dentists and specialists in 2025. The information provided is grounded in pulls from recent data sources, but we do not provide legal advice or claim to this data.
In 2025, general dentistry continues to serve as the backbone of oral health care in the United States.
With approximately 202,300 professionally active dentists nationwide, the majority—about 159,000—are general practitioners who provide preventive care, restorative treatments, and diagnostic services for patients of all ages. ADA.org
Despite the rise of dental specialties, general dentists remain the largest group in the profession, while specialists account for roughly 21% of U.S. dentists.
Median Wage (All Dentists, 2024): $179,210 per year
Updated National Average (2025): $196,100 annually, up ~$4,350 from 2023
Big Owner Dentists: Owners and partners reported an average income of $320,316 in 2024—a 6.7% increase year-over-year
Associate Dentists: Reported average pay rose 3.7% to $225,929 in 2024
Pro Tip: Salaries vary by role—owners typically earn significantly more than associates, and compensation reflects experience, location, and business model.
Specialty dental fields continue to show strong income potential in 2025, often exceeding the earnings of general dentists.
As procedures become more complex and patient demand for specialized care rises, trained specialists are commanding higher compensation, especially in urban markets or established group practices.
Average Salary: $309,400/year
Range: $250,000 to $375,000+
High Earning Potential: Experienced orthodontists in competitive markets can earn $400,000+
Factors: Digital workflows (e.g., iTero, CBCT), 3D printing (including direct-print aligners) and expanding into pediatric practices are boosting productivity and revenue.
Average Salary: $330,000 – $450,000+
Top 10%: $500,000+
Procedures: Wisdom tooth extractions, implants, orthognathic surgery
Trend: Strong demand and cross-referrals from general and cosmetic dentists keep these professionals in high demand.
Average Salary: $280,000 – $390,000
Niche Role: Root canals, apicoectomies, retreatments
Technology Integration: The use of dental microscopes and CBCT increases case accuracy and fee structure
Trend: Group practices and DSOs are hiring endodontists to retain more revenue in-house.
Average Salary: $220,000 – $350,000
Specialty: Full-mouth rehab, complex restorations, implant-supported prosthetics
Innovation Focus: Digital smile design, 3D printing, and full-arch workflows
Market Note: Often part of high-end, fee-for-service practices in urban areas.
Average Salary: $240,000 – $350,000
Services: Gum disease treatment, bone grafting, implant placement
Boom Areas: Implantology and regenerative therapies are increasing income opportunities
Private Equity Factor: Periodontists are increasingly integrated into group practice models.
Average Salary: $220,000 – $300,000
Upside: Practices that also offer orthodontics can significantly boost earnings
Trends: Sedation dentistry and preventive models improve treatment volume and case acceptance.
| Specialty | Avg. Salary (2025) | High-End Range |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontist | $309,000 | $375,000–$450,000+ |
| Oral Surgeon | $400,000 | Up to $600,000+ |
| Endodontist | $330,000 | $400,000+ |
| Prosthodontist | $280,000 | $350,000+ |
| Periodontist | $275,000 | $350,000–$400,000 |
| Pediatric Dentist | $250,000 | $300,000+ |
High Demand for Implants: Surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists benefit from increased full-arch and single-tooth implant placements.
Digital Technology: Specialists using CBCT, 3D printing, and intraoral scanners can deliver better outcomes, justifying higher fees.
DSO Expansion: Many DSOs now employ in-house specialists, offering competitive salaries and built-in referral networks.
Pediatric-Ortho Integration: Pediatric dental practices adding orthodontics are seeing substantial revenue increases.
By State: Dentists in states like Vermont and Rhode Island commonly earn above $240K, while general U.S. dentists average around $196K Beckers Dental Review
By City (Example: Atlanta GA): Associate dentists’ entry-level pay averages around $186,368 (~$90/hour) as of mid‑2025 ZipRecruiter
Top Markets for Orthodontists: Northeast Ohio (Cleveland) trends high with average orthodontist earnings at $239,200—among the highest nationwide AXIOS
Critical practice staff also earn competitive salaries:
Dental Hygienists: Median annual wages around $77,810 (2021 data), with top earners in California, Alaska, and New York reaching $108,000+ annually en.wikipedia.org
Dental Assistants: Typically earn about $46,500 annually, while hygienists average $81,400 per year the-sun.com
| Role | 2025 Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Owner Dentist | ~$320,300 |
| Associate General Dentist | ~$225,900 |
| General Dentist (national avg) | ~$196,100 |
| Orthodontist (median) | ~$254,600 |
| Orthodontist (ZipRecruiter avg) | ~$309,400 |
| Prosthodontist / Oral Surgeon | ~$239,200+ |
| Dental Hygienist | ~$77,800 median; up to $115,000+ |
| Dental Assistant | ~$46,500 |
Ownership Matters: Practice owners typically out-earn associates, with top incomes over $300K.
High Pay for Specialists: Orthodontists, prosthodontists, and surgeons benefit from higher earning potential, especially in competitive markets.
Geographic Influence: Location impacts salary—urban areas and high-cost-of-living states generally pay more.
Rising Comps: Salaries are trending upward in 2024–25—associates (+3.7%) and owners (+6.7%) Bureau or Labor Statistics
Support Staff Salaries Matter: Hygienists and assistants command competitive pay, reflecting the growing importance of team-based care.
Position Matters: Associate roles are growing, but ownership brings higher earning potential.
Specialize if You Can: Advanced specialties yield premium pay.
Consider Location: Evaluate cost-of-living versus pay scale when choosing a work area.
Build a Balanced Team: Competitive pay for hygienists and assistants improves retention and productivity.
Dental salaries in 2025 reflect ongoing growth, specialization, and regional variation. Profiled broadly—owners earn most, specialists command premium rates, and supportive clinical roles remain essential components of a high-functioning dental team.
If you're evaluating practice ownership or expansion—and want help choosing imaging or operational investments like CPO CBCT or scanners—Renew Digital is here to support high-performing, cost-effective workflows.
Get started saving 30-50% on your digital imaging equipment by chatting with one of our sales reps. Click the button below to begin the conversation.