Dentist employment surpasses 120,000: State-by-state breakdown

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There are more than 16,000 active general dentists in California, nearly double that of the next highest state, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Across the U.S., there are a total of 124,390 general dentists, with nearly 14% of all dentists in the country living in California. 

Vermont and Wyoming tied as the state with the fewest number of dentists, with 240 in each state respectively. 

The agency updated salary data May 15 to reflect 2025 information, the latest available.

Here is the number of general dentists in each state and Washington, D.C.:

Note: Employment data for dentists was not available in Alabama or Kansas.

Alaska: 310

Arizona: 3,470

Arkansas: 1,210

California: 16,770

Colorado: 2,940

Connecticut: 1,950

Delaware: 390

District of Columbia: 340

Florida: 9,320

Georgia: 2,620

Hawaii: 830

Idaho: 650

Illinois: 6,940

Indiana: 2,300

Iowa: 1,240

Kentucky: 790

Louisiana: 1,500

Maine: 310

Maryland: 2,100

Massachusetts: 2,780

Michigan: 3,620

Minnesota: 2,370

Mississippi: 740

Missouri: 2,440

Montana: 380

Nebraska: 790

Nevada: 1,100

New Hampshire: 500

New Jersey: 2,980

New Mexico: 780

New York: 7,340

North Carolina: 4,140

North Dakota: 260

Ohio: 2,790

Oklahoma: 980

Oregon: 1,660

Pennsylvania: 4,460

Rhode Island: 360

South Carolina: 2,140

South Dakota: 390

Tennessee: 2,200

Texas: 8,920

Utah: 1,020

Vermont: 240

Virginia: 4,140

Washington: 3,240

West Virginia: 420

Wisconsin: 2,560

Wyoming: 240

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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