Benchmarking

The number of orthodontists in the U.S. increased from 5,990 in 2019 to 6,400 in 2023, an increase of 6.8%.

The number of general dentists in the U.S. increased from 110,730 in 2019 to 121,640 in 2023, an increase of 9.8%.

General dentists, prosthodontists and orthodontists were included on Stacker's list of the 50 highest-paying jobs in the U.S.

The average annual salary of dental hygienists in the states where dental hygienists earn the most has increased by nearly $10,000 over the past five years, a similar increase to the U.S. average for the profession.

The average practice expense per dentist for owner dentists in private practice was more than $530,000 in 2023, according to data from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute. 

Direct payments from private insurance carriers made up the highest percentage of gross billings for dentists in private practice, according to data from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute. 

Being the owner of a practice, DSO affiliation and the size of the dental practice all have an impact on busyness levels for dentists, according to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association.

The average annual salary of dentists in the states where dentists earn the most has decreased, even as the average salary for the profession across the U.S. has increased.

General dentists have an average annual salary of $154,860 in Hawaii, the worst state for business, according to July 11 rankings from CNBC.

General dentists have an average annual salary of $187,950 in Virginia, the best state for business, according to July 11 rankings from CNBC.