Dentists are largely satisfied with their work despite a growing number of challenges facing the industry, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
Dentalpost’s annual report highlights various industry trends, including with workforce, salary, and practice management. Dentalpost surveyed nearly 3,575 dental professionals to create this year’s report. The survey was conducted from Aug. 29 until Sept. 30, 2025.
Seven notes on dentist satisfaction from the report:
1. Seventy-four percent of dentists said they were satisfied in their current role, compared to 71% in 2025.
2. An increasing number of dentists are attributing their happiness to flexibility, purpose and culture over compensation.
3. Partners and owners reported higher satisfaction and lower burnout compared to associates and those working for corporate organizations.
4. Payer and workforce challenges and burnout are among the top frustrations for dentists.
5. Dentists who changed jobs in the past year reported the top driving factors as being seeking a better work environment and a better location.
6. The most desired benefits among associate dentists was reported as being paid vacation and paid holidays.
7. Fifty-seven percent of dentists said they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their total compensation.
