Here are 12 things to know about dentistry in California:
- What five dental roles earn on average per year in the state:
- Dentists: $165,950
- Dental assistants: $46,060
- Dental hygienists: $108,200
- Oral surgeons: $298,386
- Orthodontists: $275,854
- There are 25,205 active general dentists in California, the most of any state.
- California has the highest number of dental professional shortage areas with 529.
- The state received a score of 24 out of 32 for the extensiveness of its adult Medicaid dental coverage.
- California was ranked No. 43 by WalletHub on a list of states ranked for dental health.
- In 2021, 51.2 percent of dentists in the state practiced solo.
- California placed No. 40 on a list released by Zippia of best states for dentists to live and work.
- There are seven dental schools in the state, the highest number in the country.