Dentist Salaries in the U.S. range from the low end, $55,000 - up to $180,000 or more. An average dentist salary in the U.S. is $134,000.* An average dentist salary per hour is $73.70. Dentists at the bottom 10% of the profession earn on average: $26.56 and the top 10% earn: $80.00 or more. Each dentist salary varies depending on how many hours worked each week, per month, each year. The average dentist works full time, meaning 40 or more hours a week, around 2080 hours a year.
What is Dentistry?
Dentistry is the practice of removing rotten teeth, repairing broken teeth and performing necessary root canals, creating dentures to replace damaged teeth, treating diseases of the mouth and gums, providing preventive care and education of oral care to patients. A few specialties of dentistry include: oral surgeon, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Dentist Education and Training 
Becoming a dentist is rewarding but takes time and preparation. Ideally this preparation should begin in high school. A good first step, and a great way to get started on earning
experience for a qualified dentist’s resume, is to visit a local dentist office, volunteer and see what is required in a typical day for a dentist. During high school, concentrate on learning all about science and math and make sure to complete your diploma or GED.
The next step is to enter college and earn at least a two year Associates degree. Although it is not required to major in science, earning your degree in Biology or Organic Chemistry and having a four year degree will be better preparation for dental school. No matter what degree you earn, a good foundation in Biology, Organic Chemistry, Math, and a high grades in all other classes, is essential to enter a dental program. One year before entering dental training a passing or better score must be achieved on the written Dental Admissions Test. A high score compiled with high grades will help gain admittance into a great dental school.
Finding and applying to a dentist program is the next step in becoming a dentist. Each school has its own admission requirements and varies by state. Contacting a school representative or reviewing a school website will help in ensuring that retirements are met and that the four years of a dentist program can begin. Classes will consist of studying Biology, Anatomy and other sciences and math. Practical experience is also required in the last two years of study, supervised by a licensed dentist. Graduation and passing the National Board of Dental Examinations (also vary by state) will secure training requirements for a dentist.
Many dentists also continue their education and complete 2-6 years in a specialization such as cosmetic dentistry. These dentists still need to pass the National Board Examinations in their specializations, but have the potential to increase their dentist salary by up to $20,000 or more.
Dentist Job Outlook and Dentist Jobs
Dentists have many options for jobs that are quite unique. Dentists can work for the military, a hospital, a large dentist established dentists clinic (either run by the government or privately owned), or can work with other dentists by becoming a partner in their practice. Dentists can also start their own practice by starting their own business. Dentists that choose to start their own businesses should either have a mastery of accounting and business concepts or hire a good accountant.
Even in the worse recession people still have root canals and need to have their teeth cleaned, thus the job outlook for dentists remains strong. More dentists are retiring and the need for dentists is growing more than the amounts of people are being trained to be dentists. This is creating a demand for dentists that is currently not being filled. Every state is in need of dentists which is positive for both potential and current dentists. A Dentist Salary in states that have hundreds of dentists already working will be less, for example Utah. Alaska offers a higher salary, but in general most states offer salaries well over $100,000, more than providing a great life for dentists and their families.
Below,you can see the average annual salary for every State in the US, arranged highest to lowest
| Alabama | 190440 | Montana | 116220 |
| Alaska | 192940 | Nebraska | 152890 |
| Arizona | 184850 | Nevada | 166950 |
| Arkansas | 170700 | New Hampshire | 222860 |
| California | 146760 | New Jersey | 147850 |
| Colorado | 140070 | New Mexico | 172730 |
| Connecticut | 168180 | New York | 150390 |
| Delaware | 195300 | North Carolina | 196060 |
| District of Columbia | 165910 | North Dakota | 207810 |
| Florida | 146410 | Ohio | 160450 |
| Georgia | 191270 | Oklahoma | 157230 |
| Hawaii | 146310 | Oregon | 194060 |
| Idaho | 181510 | Pennsylvania | 143900 |
| Illinois | 135070 | Puerto Rico | 77190 |
| Indiana | 182150 | Rhode Island | 167360 |
| Iowa | 202750 | South Carolina | 167680 |
| Kansas | 158360 | South Dakota | 130180 |
| Kentucky | 131130 | Tennessee | 158700 |
| Louisiana | 151990 | Texas | 163990 |
| Maine | 205050 | Utah | 115070 |
| Maryland | 156730 | Vermont | 179120 |
| Massachusetts | 174290 | Virginia | 191850 |
| Michigan | 152890 | Washington | 190170 |
| Minnesota | 186350 | West Virginia | 133540 |
| Mississippi | 150730 | Wisconsin | 163940 |
| Missouri | 133430 | Wyoming | 145950 |
Source: bls.gov.
Information about Dentist related Occupations
There are many Dentist related Occupations, such as Dentist Hygienists, Medical Assistants, Dental Technicians, and Register Nurses. Dental Hygienists assist the dentist in procedures, perform teeth cleanings, and help patients feel at ease. Dental Hygienists earn from $25,000 to $60,000 a year, based on experience. Becoming a Dental Hygienist takes less time than a dentist, often 9 months to two years. You still have to pass a written exam and receive hands on training with patients. In less time than you think you will can become an essential part of the dentist’s office and have a jump start on a great career!
An average dentist salary in the U.S. is $134,000, paying more than a teacher of 30 years, and closer to the salary of an average lawyer. Dentist training and education may seem like a challenge, but with the promise of a dentist salary that has unlimited earnings potential, taking on that challenge is well worth the effort.