Benchmarking

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was ranked as the top dental school in the world by QS World University Rankings.

The average annual salary for orthodontists has fluctuated over the past five years, rising from $230,830 in 2019 to $243,620 in 2023, a total increase of nearly $13,000, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The cost of living in North Carolina, the highest-paying state for oral surgeons, is $44,848 for a single adult with no children.

The average annual salary for dental assistants has increased each of the last five years, rising from $41,170 in 2019 to $47,350 in 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Specialty dentists have the highest mean hourly wage in Connecticut, where they make an average of $150.24 per hour, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dental assistants make an average of $62,760 in Minnesota, the highest-earning state, compared to the state's average household income of $109,737.

Dental hygienists make an average of $123,510 in Washington, the highest-earning state, compared to the state's average household income of $ $125,847.

Dentists make an average of $227,200 in Delaware, the highest-earning state, compared to the state's average household income of $105,438.

Orthodontists have the highest mean hourly wage in Michigan, where they make an average of $158.47 per hour, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Six dental companies were recently included on Newsweek's 2024 list of the best workplaces for mental well-being.