The average net income of private practice dentists is $245,060, according to data from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute.
Owner dentists had an average net income of $260,130, compared to $183,910 for employed dentists.
Dentists in specialty fields had a significantly higher income than general practitioner dentists, with specialists bringing in $345,860 and general practitioners $218,710 on average.
Income data was collected from the ADA's 2024 "Survey of Dental Practice," which surveyed 60,975 private practice dentists in the U.S. The results reflect 2023 operation statistics.
Here is the average net income of private practice dentists based on specialty and ownership status:
General practitioner dentists
Practice owners: $228,220
Employed: $177,110
All general practitioners: $218,710
Specialty dentists
Practice owners: $385,610
All specialists: $345,860
(Note: There was not enough data to calculate an average salary for employed specialty dentists.)
All dentists
Practice owners: $260,130
Employed: $183,910
All dentists: $245,060