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Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 3/19/24
Are you planning on becoming a dentist and wondering what the highest-paid dental specialties are? Well, we've got you covered! This article will provide a list and an overview of their salaries.
Often, when we think about health, our dental hygiene is the last thing that comes to mind. Little did you know that oral health is essential and linked to overall well-being.
For instance, cardiovascular diseases might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
Dentists help care for our oral health and help diagnose and treat any problems that might occur orally and prevent them from getting worse and causing other health problems. They help fill cavities, install crowns, and examine x-rays for signs of problems.
Dentistry is a highly specialized field that requires years of education and training to master. There are numerous dental specialties, each with its own unique set of skills and expertise. While all dental professionals play an essential role in maintaining oral health, some dental specialties are in higher demand and command higher salaries than others.
This article will explore the highest-paid dentists, their job outlook, and how much they make annually. If you want to learn more about this profession and its potential salary earnings, keep reading!
Keep reading to learn more about how dental professionals are paid throughout the US.
Now that you know what salaries to expect for each role, let’s delve a bit deeper into what the role entails, its job outlook, and where to find the highest paying jobs.
Average annual salary: $393,215
Job outlook (2022-2032): 8.0%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, New York, and Wyoming
Best Paying City: Berkeley
A dental anesthesiologist is a dental specialist trained in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing dental procedures. This type of specialist has completed additional anesthesiology education and training after dental school.
Dental anesthesiologists provide various levels of sedation and anesthesia to help patients manage pain and discomfort during dental procedures, such as extractions, root canals, and implant placement. They work closely with the dental team to monitor the patient's vital signs and ensure their safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Average annual salary: $374,999
Job outlook (2022-2032): 4.0%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, New York, Wyoming
Best Paying City: Berkeley
Dentists in private practice are dedicated to preserving your oral health. They do check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays to find dental problems. If they discover issues, they plan and perform treatments like fillings, root canals, or tooth removal.
Dentists in private practice not only provide cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile but also educate you on maintaining healthy teeth. Additionally, they handle the business aspects of their clinic. They continuously update their skills and knowledge to incorporate the latest dental techniques and technologies into their practice.
Average annual salary: $368,879
Job outlook (2022-2032): 5%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, and New York
Best Paying City: Berkeley
As specialized dental professionals, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat complex dental, jaw, and facial issues. They perform various surgical procedures to address common problems, including cleft palettes, misaligned jaws, and dental implants.
Additionally, they treat more serious conditions, such as sleep apnea and oral cancer. These professionals can work in a hospital or office setting and are typically referred to by primary dentists or physicians.
Average annual salary: $368,879
Job outlook (2022-2032): 5.7%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, New York, and Wyoming
Best Paying City: Berkeley
A maxillofacial prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has received additional training and education in the field of maxillofacial prosthetics, a subspecialty of prosthodontics. They focus on diagnosing, treating, and managing oral and facial defects or disabilities that may be present from birth or may have resulted from disease, trauma, or surgery.
Maxillofacial prosthodontists work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, head and neck oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They design and fabricate custom prosthetic devices that restore the normal function and appearance of the face, jaws, and mouth.
Average annual salary: $309,402
Job outlook (2022-2032): 4.5%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, Nebraska, and Massachusetts
Best Paying City: Berkeley
An orthodontist is a specialized dental professional trained to diagnose, prevent, and correct dental irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use various methods, such as braces, clear aligners, and other appliances, to gradually move teeth and adjust jaw positioning, resulting in a more balanced and functional bite.
Orthodontic treatment can correct dental issues, including crowded or crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps between teeth.
These professionals help patients improve their quality of life and smile!
Average annual salary: $330,066
Job outlook (2022-2032): 5.7%
Best Paying States: California, Massachusetts, New York, and Alaska
Best Paying City: Sunnyvale
These professionals help restore and replace missing teeth and related oral structures. They are trained to diagnose, plan, and execute the treatment of dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing or damaged teeth and other oral and maxillofacial tissues.
Prosthodontists are experts in designing, manufacturing, and fitting dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants, as well as treating sleep apnea with oral appliances.
They work closely with other dental specialists, such as periodontists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists, to provide their patients with comprehensive and coordinated dental care.
Average annual salary: $277,314
Job outlook (2018-2028): 6.0%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, Alaska, and New Jersey
Best Paying City: San Jose
Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to address issues related to a child's dental development, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and dental injuries. They also provide preventive care, such as dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, to help children maintain healthy teeth and gums.
In addition to clinical care, pediatric dentists educate children and their parents about good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups.
They strive to create a positive and comfortable environment for children, helping them to feel at ease during dental visits and encouraging them to take an active role in their oral health.
Average annual salary: $241,185
Job outlook (2018-2028): 6.0%
Best Paying States: California, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington
Best Paying City: San Jose
According to the American Association of Endodontists, less than 3% of dentists are endodontists.
These professionals possess skills in diagnosing and treating tooth pain that originates from issues within the tooth pulp. They aim to preserve and reinstate teeth by conducting root canals and other procedures rather than resorting to extraction and replacement.
Average annual salary: $225,102
Job outlook (2018-2028): 6.0%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, Massasscutes, and Nebraska
Best Paying City: Berkeley
A periodontist treats periodontal disease, gingivitis, and gum disease. They also have specialized knowledge in oral inflammation and dental implants. Periodontists also manage complex dental histories and address severe dental issues. Their primary duties include:
Periodontists may also conduct dental implant consultations and utilize X-rays when necessary.
Average annual salary: $159,530
Job outlook (2022-2032): 4.0%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, Massasscutes, and Nebraska
Best Paying City: Sunnyvale
A general dentist provides essential dental care, focusing on routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays to maintain oral health. They treat common dental issues like cavities, tooth restoration, and infections through procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals.
General dentists also educate patients on oral hygiene and may refer them to specialists when needed. Their primary goal is to ensure patients have healthy teeth and gums.
Average annual salary: $153,749
Job outlook (2022-2032): 4.0%
Best Paying States: California, Washington, Wyoming, and Virginia
Best Paying City: Santa Clara
Senior dentists play a pivotal role in dental care, and tend to have more work experience then regular dentists. They provide advanced patient care, including complex procedures like root canals and oral surgeries, while also offering general dental services.
Beyond clinical work, senior dentists often mentor and supervise junior dental professionals, guiding their development. They excel in treatment planning, crafting comprehensive strategies to address patients' oral health needs.
If you need help with becoming any of these specialists, get 1:1 support from our dental school admissions counselors. They know how to turn your dental dreams into reality.
If you still have questions about the highest-paid dental specialties, check out these frequently asked questions.
The highest-paying dental specialty is dental anesthesia. Dental anesthesiologists make $393,215 a year on average.
The highest-paid dentists reside in these states:
Despite the salary of a dentist being dependent on the state they practice in, a dentist can make a substantial amount of income no matter where they practice.
The highest dental salary in the US is the salary of a dental anesthesiologist. oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They can earn anywhere from $290,000-$400,000 per year.
If you're considering becoming a dentist, you might be swayed to pursue a dental specialty with a generous salary. Just remember that the amount you make will depend on what state you live in and your years of experience.
However, don’t let the possibility of a generous salary persuade you to pursue a specialty you’re not interested in. You’ll be spending a lot of time and money pursuing a career in the dental field, so you must seek a specialty you enjoy.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a dentist!
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