If you’re considering a job in the dental field, you may want to consider the pay. Many people choose the dental field because they get to make a difference while working with people all day. 

We’ve pulled from various sources, including the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Dental Association, Glassdoor, and Princess Dental Staffing’s proprietary salary data to create a list of the highest-paying dental jobs for 2023.

Highest Paid Dentists

Dentists make the most money in the dental profession. But surprisingly, private dental practice owners rank at the bottom of the list. As you’ll see, dental specialties are where the money is at. This makes sense, as specialty dentists require more time and training than general practitioners. 

Note: We pulled these dentists' salaries from the ADA.

First on the list are oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who specialize in surgical procedures relating to the mouth, jaw, and face. With a median annual salary of $407,550, this position will likely continue to be one of the highest-paying in the dental field for many years. 

And yes, that’s about $7800 per week…

Second on the list of highest-paying dental jobs are endodontists (who perform root canal procedures). These specialty dentists make $343,670 per year.

Next up are orthodontists, who diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities. With a median salary of $340,380 per year, this job is also expected to remain a top-paying position.

Periodontists, who specialize in treating the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth, are also likely to remain high earners, with an average salary of around $301,110 per year.

Other high-paying dentist specialties include prosthodontists (who design and fit dental prosthetics) and pediatric dentists (who specialize in treating children's dental needs).

According to the ADA, here is the list of the top 6 highest paying dental jobs in 2023:

1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - $407,550
2. Endodontists - $343,670
3. Orthodontists and Dentofacial Orthopedists - $340,380
4. Periodontists - 301,110
5. Pediatric Dentists $227,120
6. Dental Practice Owners - $149,820

See dentist salaries

Other Top Paid Dental Positions

There are lots of other highly-paid positions in dentistry. Let’s take a look at a few of the highest-paid positions.

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists rank #2, just behind dentists when it comes to making money in the dental field. The median pay for dental hygienists is $77,810 per year, according to BLS salary data. The top 10% of dental hygienists earn six figures, while the lowest 10% earn less than $60k. 

The highest-paying dental hygiene jobs are those who work in dental offices, followed by physician offices, then government jobs. The BLS points out that many dental hygienists work part-time.

As a dental hygienist, your salary will vary depending on certifications, location, and years of experience. For example, certification in local anesthesia or nitrous oxide analgesia will likely earn you more. 

See dental hygienist salaries.

Dental Technicians

Dental technicians help produce dental prosthetics such as dentures, bridges, and implants. Technicians who work in dental offices make a median annual salary of $46,640 per year. Top earners will make $65,550 per year or more. This puts dental technicians in position #3 for the highest-paying dental jobs, above dental assistants and receptionists.

Dental Front Desk

Dental front desk receptionists keep dental offices running smoothly. They are responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, taking care of paperwork and insurance billing, and managing the overall patient experience.

Receptionists who work in dental offices make $40,250 per year, according to the BLS.

Dental billing specialists are a specialty area for front desk staff, and make $42,128 per year, according to Glassdoor. 

See dental receptionist salaries

Dental Assistants

Dental assistants assist dentists during patient procedures and maintain patient records and carry out administrative tasks. Dental assistants come in last, making a median annual salary of $38,660. However, dental assistants can make more...with the top 10% of dental assistants making $59,540 per year--more than front desk receptionists or dental technicians. But to make more, you’ll need experience and additional certifications and skills. The highest-paying dental assistant jobs are with the government. On the low end, dental assistants make $29,580 per year.

See dental assistant salaries.

Highest-paid Areas

Now that we covered the five (5) highest-paying dental jobs, we’ll share the top-paying states and cities for these dental jobs.

• Dentist

• Best Paying States: Vermont, Rhode Island, Alaska
• Best Paying Cities: Burlington, Vermont, Providence, Rhode Island
• Dental Hygienist
• Best Paying States: Alaska, California, Washington
• Best Paying Cirites: Fairbanks, Alaska, Santa Rosa, California

• Dental Assistant

• Best Paying States: Minnesota, New Hampshire, Alaska
• Best Paying Cities: Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Dental Front Office Receptionist

• Best Paying States: District of Columbia, Connecticut, New York
• Best Paying Cities: New Haven, Connecticut, Nassau County, New York

With the demand for dental care continuing to grow, these dental positions are expected to remain in high demand, providing stability and lucrative career opportunities for those entering the dental field. 

Dental salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer, but these positions are among the top-paying dental jobs in 2023.

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