US Dentist Salary in 2022

The USA is the leading country in the world in terms of the share of GDP allocated to healthcare. In this post, we are going to consider the nuances of dentistry in the USA, dentist salaries, and the process of obtaining a dental license. Please, get the details below.

A dentist in the United States ranks sixth in terms of wages among medical workers. The treatment process is managed by the dentist, and the preparatory work is carried out by their assistants. In addition, in the United States, a dentist often serves several clients at once.

The main areas of US dentistry are therapeutic, orthopedic, and surgical dentistry, as well as orthodontics and implantation. About 75% of dentists in the United States run their private practices. They start their businesses from the moment they receive a license. Generally speaking, dentistry in the United States, although of high quality, is very expensive and not always available to certain categories of citizens.

Dentist salary

Physicians in the United States are traditionally the highest-paid specialists. Dentists are no exception. In 2022, the average annual income of these professionals is estimated at nearly $148,000. They make about $90 an hour.

There is a certain gradation of salaries of dentists depending on the particular state. For example, dentists earn the least in Montana, Alabama, and Utah. This is about $112,000 annually. The highest salaries for dentists are in New Hampshire – $222,000, California – $216,000, and Iowa – $210,000. In addition, the place where the dentist provides medical services plays a role. For example, dentists get the least income by working in public clinics. Dentists who deal with private practice earn the most.

How to become a dentist in the USA?

A person who has a dental license can provide dental services. To get it, you can use two options:

  • You need to graduate from a US dental school. After you receive a diploma, you will get either Doctor of Medical Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Any of these degrees will allow you to practice.
  • You will need to complete a Bachelor’s degree before you can enroll in dental school. Your Bachelor’s specialty should be related to medicine and, in particular, to dentistry.

Hence, to become a professional dentist in the USA, you need to choose a dental school and enter it, study, and master your preferred dental specialization. When you enter dental school, you must study hard for three years and pass the Western Regional Examining Board or the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners exam at the end of your studies.

After that, you will need to get a license from the US state where you plan to practice. Once you have the license, you can start providing medical services, but you will be in the status of a general dentist. If you wish, you can get a specialization, but it will take time. Good luck!

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