In 2020, average general dentist income dipped, though that decline varied widely by state and specialty.
General dentist income
- The average U.S. general dentist's mean wage was $180,830 in 2020.
- General dentists in Rhode Island made the highest annual salary in 2020, earning an average of $258,920, while Vermont followed at $254,190.
- General dentists in West Virginia had the lowest annual salary in 2020, earning an average of $127,950, followed closely by Kentucky at $128,850.
- General practice dentists saw a 17.9 percent drop in net income in 2020 compared to 2019.
- Compared to general practice dentists, specialists saw smaller declines in both net income and hours worked.
- Female dentists bore a more significant economic toll than their male counterparts.
Yearly expenses at dental private practices in 2019
- Average gross billings per owner dentist (general practitioner): $742,490
- Average gross billings per owner dentist (specialty): $1,059,890
- Median hourly salary for full-time dental hygienist: $36.65
- Median hourly salary for full-time chairside dental assistant: $19.27