General dentists in the U.S. earn an average of $172,290 each year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The average annual wage for dentists is lower than the annual wage for two other dental jobs and four other healthcare specialties.
Orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists and orthopedic surgeons all earn more than dentists on average.
Here are three compensation statistics for dentists compared with other healthcare occupations.
Mean annual salary
Dentists: $172,290
Orthodontists: $216,320
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: $309,410
Anesthesiologists: $302,970
Cardiologists: $421,330
Ophthalmologists: $265,450
Orthopedic surgeons: $371,400
Highest-paying state
Dentists: Delaware
Orthodontists: Connecticut
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Arizona
Anesthesiologists: Colorado
Cardiologists: Arizona
Ophthalmologists: Montana
Orthopedic surgeons: Connecticut
Highest-paying industry
Dentists: State government, excluding schools and hospitals
Orthodontists: Offices of physicians
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Offices of dentists
Anesthesiologists: Outpatient care centers
Cardiologists: Offices of physicians
Ophthalmologists: Outpatient care centers
Orthopedic surgeons: Outpatient care centers