Benchmarking

The University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., has the most expensive dental school in the U.S., with tuition at $121,750 per year, according to data from the American Dental Association.

There are 5,570 periodontists in the U.S., according to data from KFF. 

There are 5,724 endodontists in the U.S., according to data from KFF. 

There are 159,741 general dentists in the U.S., according to data from the KFF. 

There are 10,906 orthodontists and dentofacial orthopedic practitioners in the U.S., according to data from KFF. 

The median net income for endodontists in private practice was $279,040 in 2021, according to data collected by the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute. 

The number of dentists is projected to increase 6,800 by 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are 7,412 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the U.S., according to data from KFF. 

Dentists earn an average salary of $131,490 in Utah, one of the best states to start a business. 

Dental technicians earn $34,654 per year in West Virginia, the lowest-paying state for the profession, according to career website ZipRecruiter.