State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Dentist Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
The median pay for Dentists, General is $170,950 a year ($82.19/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 4.1% through 2034, with about 3,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
SOC 29-1021Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $170,950
- Projected growth
- +4.1%
- Openings a year
- 3,900
- Typical education
- Doctorate
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Dentist, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist.
How much do Dentists, General make?
10th percentile$86,250
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$125,710
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$170,950
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$224,040
Upper quartile
90th percentile$319,630
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $170,950 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $82.19/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $191,350 |
| People employed | 124,390 |
Versus all US occupations
At $170,950, Dentists, General earn 235% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $119,970 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870, this is 75% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $319,630 or more while the bottom 10% earn $86,250, a gap of 3.7×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 96% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Alaska posts the highest raw median ($230,990), but once local prices are taken into account North Dakota leads at $248,047 in national-average dollars.
Which states pay Dentists, General the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $230,990 | $225,667 | 310 |
| North Dakota | $220,660 | $248,047 | 260 |
| Minnesota | $219,200 | $222,265 | 2,370 |
| Tennessee | $215,290 | $234,342 | 2,200 |
| Oregon | $211,690 | $204,806 | 1,660 |
| Maine | $209,200 | $215,559 | 310 |
| North Carolina | $207,000 | $219,452 | 4,140 |
| Georgia | $206,760 | $214,720 | 2,620 |
| Missouri | $204,960 | $225,685 | 2,440 |
| Vermont | $204,960 | $209,233 | 240 |
Is Dentist a growing career?
Dentists, General4.1%
All US occupations3.1%
+4.1% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Dentists, General to change 4.1% over 2024–2034, against 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 5,400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,900 openings are projected each year, 3.0% of the 129,800 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for dentists is expected to increase as larger numbers of older people require dental services. Because each generation is more likely to keep their teeth than the previous generation, more dental care is expected to be needed in the years to come. In addition, dentists will be needed to treat dentofacial injuries and other conditions as well as to perform restorative procedures to treat complications from oral disease, such as gum disease and oral cancer. The growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry also is expected to support demand for dentists.
How to become a Dentist
All states license dentists. Licensure usually requires a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program, a passing score on the written national board examination, and a passing score on a state or regional clinical examination. Practicing in a dental specialty requires a residency and a license in that specialty.
The credential path, step by step
- Complete an undergraduate degree with the required science coursesAbout 4 years
Most dental programs require at least a bachelor's degree plus specific science coursework such as biology and chemistry. No particular major is required, though programs may prefer a science degree.
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
All US dental schools require the DAT. Take it after completing the subjects it covers, especially organic chemistry, and apply six to eight weeks before your target test date.
- Earn a DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school
Coursework covers areas such as local anesthesia, anatomy, periodontics and radiology, and all accredited programs include supervised clinical work with patients.
- Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
The INBDE is the written national board examination recognized by all US licensing jurisdictions.
- Pass a state or regional clinical examination
States require a clinical examination in addition to the written board. Many accept the ADEX Dental Examination series; confirm which one your state board accepts.
- Complete a residency if you want to practice a specialty2 to 4 years for most specialties; 4 to 6 years for oral and maxillofacial surgery
A dental specialty requires a license in that specialty, which means completing a residency after dental school and, in some states, a further state examination.
Exams you have to pass
Dental Admission Test (DAT)
Admissions test required by all US dental schools. Offered year round at Prometric test centers; total administration time is five hours and 15 minutes. Usually taken in the spring of the junior undergraduate year or the following summer, after organic chemistry.
Administered by American Dental Association.
Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
Two-day national licensure examination recognized by all US licensing jurisdictions, taken at Prometric test centers. Day 1 runs 8 hours 15 minutes and Day 2 runs 4 hours 15 minutes.
Administered by Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
ADEX Dental Examination (ADEX)
Clinical licensure examination series covering periodontal, endodontic, prosthodontic, anterior restorative and posterior restorative procedures, plus a computer-based component. Offered in a Curriculum Integrated Format for students entering their senior year and a Traditional Format for others. The ADA's DLOSCE has been licensed to ADEX for incorporation into this series; all future DLOSCE administrations run through ADEX.
Administered by American Board of Dental Examiners.
- Program accreditation
CODA · Commission on Dental Accreditation
Most states require a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental program. Only students and graduates of CODA-accredited (or Canadian CDAC-accredited) schools may sit the ADEX Dental Examination; other candidates must apply through the state dental board where they intend to practice.
- How long the training takes
Dental school follows at least a bachelor's degree and specific prerequisite science courses. Dental specialties require an additional residency, usually 2 to 4 years; oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically take 4 to 6 years and may result in a joint MD degree.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
All states license dentists and requirements vary. States differ in which clinical examination they accept for licensure, and in whether a dental specialty license requires an additional state examination on top of the residency. Candidates from schools not accredited by CODA or CDAC cannot sit the ADEX examination and must apply directly to the state dental board for permission to take an examination valid only in that jurisdiction.
Who governs the credential
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) — Accredits US predoctoral dental education programs (DDS/DMD) and advanced dental education programs.
- Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) — Governing body for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
- American Dental Association (ADA) — Administers the Dental Admission Test (DAT) used in dental school admissions.
- American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) — Administers the ADEX Dental Examination, a clinical licensure examination series accepted by many state boards.
Credential detail for dentists is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dentists · checked August 23, 2026
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) · checked August 23, 2026
- JCNDE: Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) · checked August 23, 2026
- JCNDE: Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE) · checked August 23, 2026
- ADA: Dental Admission Test (DAT) · checked August 23, 2026
- ADEX: ADEX Dental Examination · checked August 23, 2026
- CareerOneStop: Find Licenses (state licensing board requirements) · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams. Dentists who practice in a specialty area must complete postdoctoral training.
| Typical entry-level education | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Considerable preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as dentists, general.
- Doctoral Degree81.4%
- Some College Courses7.2%
- Master's Degree5.8%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)5.6%
What does a Dentist do?
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
Day-to-day tasks
- Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
- Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
- Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Dentists’ work schedules vary. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. Many dentists work less than 40 hours a week, although some work considerably more.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Physical demands
- Seated for more than half the working day
- Regular bending or twisting
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Handling conflict situations at least monthly
- Mistakes carry very serious consequences
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Science3.8/5
- Writing3.3/5
Transferable skills
- Judgment and Decision Making4.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Service Orientation3.9/5
- Time Management3.9/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Persuasion3.8/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.5/5
Tools and software
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Internet browser software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Dentist?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary5.2
Investigativeprimary5.5
Artistic1.2
Socialprimary4.4
Enterprising2.0
Conventional3.7
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Dentist: frequently asked questions
How much do Dentists, General make?
Dentists, General earn a median of $170,950 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 235% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $82.19/hr. The middle half earn between $125,710 and $224,040. The top 10% earn $319,630 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Dentist?
Yes, and beyond a bachelor's: BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry requirement for Dentists, General. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 81.4% hold doctoral degree.
Is Dentist a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.1% over 2024–2034, faster than the 3.1% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 3,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Dentist do?
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. A core O*NET task: use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases. Employers most often ask for Medical software, Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Dentists, General the most?
The highest state medians for Dentists, General are Alaska ($230,990), North Dakota ($220,660), Minnesota ($219,200) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, North Dakota moves to the top at $248,047.
What personality type suits a Dentist?
O*NET scores Dentists, General highest on the Investigative, Realistic and Social interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Dentist?
Dental school follows at least a bachelor's degree and specific prerequisite science courses. Dental specialties require an additional residency, usually 2 to 4 years; oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically take 4 to 6 years and may result in a joint MD degree.
Do you need a license to work as a Dentist?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. All states license dentists and requirements vary. States differ in which clinical examination they accept for licensure, and in whether a dental specialty license requires an additional state examination on top of the residency. Candidates from schools not accredited by CODA or CDAC cannot sit the ADEX examination and must apply directly to the state dental board for permission to take an examination valid only in that jurisdiction.
What exams do you have to pass to become a Dentist?
The DAT (Dental Admission Test), the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination), the ADEX (ADEX Dental Examination). Admissions test required by all US dental schools. Offered year round at Prometric test centers; total administration time is five hours and 15 minutes. Usually taken in the spring of the junior undergraduate year or the following summer, after organic chemistry.