Most dental professionals earn less per year than the average amount of education debt, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Education Data Initiative.
Here is how annual compensation for six dental roles compares to education debt in 2024:
Average annual salary for six dental roles:
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: $334,310
Dentists, all other specialists: $244,470
Orthodontists: $243,620
Dentists, general: $191,750
Dental hygienists: $89,890
Dental assistants: $47,350
Average dental education debt: $305,306