Dentist Salary in USA- A Brief Guide for 2024

The growing demand for oral healthcare services has led to the incredible expansion of the dental industry in the US. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field will generate about 5,100 job openings yearly in the next decade (2022-2032). Moreover, a dentist’s average base salary in the US is $150,000 (Payscale) in 2024, making dentistry a promising career. Here, we will further discuss salaries for dentists in the US, shedding light on how to pursue this career path.

Start Your Study Abroad Journey with upGrad Abroad

Average Dentist Salary in USA by State

In 2023, the U.S. News & World Report ranked dentistry as the 11th highest-paying job. During this period, the dentist’s salary in America reached a national average of $226,379. While this may seem impressive, the average salary of a dentist can vary significantly depending on the state. Here are some of the highest-paying regions for dentists in the US in 2024.

Source: Indeed(2023)

What Makes Dentistry a Well-Paid Career in USA

Dentistry ranks #9 in best-paying jobs and #20 in best STEM jobs in the USA as per U.S. News & World Report based on factors such as Salary, Job Market, Future Growth, Work-life Balance, and many others. 

This is exactly why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to pursue a dental course in the USA. 

1. Earning Opportunity: According to a 2021 survey, the USA ranked the best country to work as a dentist if you are looking at earning potential. Belgium, Denmark, and Norway were the other countries for that purpose. 
2. Top Universities for Dental Courses: Nearly 19 US universities rank among the top 100 for dental programs in the QS WUR by Subject 2023. 
3. Better Job Projection: Job openings as dentists are expected to grow faster than the national average. Overall employment will likely grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, as per BLS 2024. 

Comparison Between Dentistry Salaries in India and USA

Both India and the US offer rewarding opportunities for individuals wishing to pursue a career in dentistry. But, the US seems to have an edge when it comes to providing competitive salaries for various dental professionals. A dentist’s salary per month in the US is $16,028. This is substantially higher than a dentist’s salary in India per month, which is around $223. 
Here is a table showing a comparison of average salaries by dental specialties in the US and India. 

Source: Payscale, 2023. Conversion as of November 2023

Interested to Study In the USA? Apply for Free Counselling

Top Companies for Dentists in USA

The US is home to several reputed dental companies and implant centers providing excellent remuneration and growth trajectories to aspirants. Some of the top companies for dentists in the US are:

Source: Indeed 2023

How to Practice Dentistry in USA 

If you wish to pursue a career in the thriving dental industry of the US, here are some points you should keep in mind: 

• Students must complete a US-based dental school’s CODA-accredited course (Commission on Dental Accreditation). This leads to the award of the American Dental Degree- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) that enables them to appear for regional or state board examinations conducted for issuing dental licenses. 
• Foreign-trained professionals may pursue the Advanced Standing or  Training Programs to earn the DDS/DMD. The degree can be obtained in a condensed time frame of 2-3 years. This makes them eligible for a license in any US state, albeit after completing the necessary licensure requirements.  
• Applicants from other countries also require an evaluation of their dental certificates and diplomas by accredited evaluation bodies like ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) or WES (World Education Services) to assess their eligibility for the national board examination. 
• Students and professionals must clear the USA Integrated National Board Dental Examination
  (INBDE) as it is an essential requirement for licensure in the US. 
• To register for the examination, candidates must apply via the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Department of Testing Services. After the successful application process, candidates will receive a DENTPIN, a unique number for taking the exam. 
•  You  must appear for the examination at a US-based center. The test comprises 360 questions on the first day and 140 questions on the second day. 
• Getting a DDS degree also requires a high score in TOEFL (100 or more). 
• You can then apply to institutions for your DMD/DDS via the CAAPID or Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists application, which opens from March to February every year. This centralized portal streamlines the application process for international dentists, allowing them to simultaneously apply to multiple US dental schools for advanced standing programs.
• Upon graduation and obtaining other necessary certifications, you can practice dentistry in the USA.

Conclusion

Dentistry is a rewarding career in the USA, offering lucrative salaries for aspirants. If you wish to study at reputed dental institutions in the US, it is best to prepare well in advance and keep track of all the necessary application requirements.