Dentists are seeing mixed results when it comes to compensation growth, according to Dentalpost’s 2026 Dental Salary Survey Report.
Dentalpost’s annual report highlights various industry trends, including 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 compensation from the report:
1. The average income for dentists in 2025 was $318,000, while the median income was $225,000.
2. Although the average income for dentists increased by 10% between 2024 and 2025, median income dropped 6%.
3. Here is the average income distribution for dentists:
- $100,000 – $200,000: 27%
- $200,000 – $250,000: 13%
- $251,000 – $300,000: 11%
- $301,000 – $400,000: 16%
- $401,000 – $500,000: 8%
4. Forty-four percent of dentists reported getting a raise in the past two years.
5. Thirty-two percent of dentists said they have never received a raise.
6. Fifty-seven percent of dentists reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their total compensation, the same percentage as 2024.
7. The percentage of dentists who said they were “very satisfied” with their compensation decreased from 26% in 2024 to 18% in 2025.
