Dental pay vs. dental school debt in 2024

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.

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By: Ariana Portalatin

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

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