Dentistry is a high-income profession, but within the field, some specialties consistently earn more than others. If you’re exploring a career in dentistry or considering how to scale your income within the dental field, understanding the most lucrative paths can help you make a smart decision. Whether you’re a student, a practicing dentist, or simply curious, this article breaks down the richest types of dentists and why they earn more than others.
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The Most Lucrative Dental Specialties
Not all dentists earn the same salary. Specialists often undergo more training, but the payoff can be substantial. Here’s a breakdown of the richest types of dentists.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral surgeons top the list of highest-paid dental professionals. These specialists perform complex surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. Their responsibilities include:
- Extracting impacted teeth (including wisdom teeth)
- Performing reconstructive jaw surgery
- Treating facial trauma
- Conducting cleft palate and lip repairs
- Administering IV sedation and general anesthesia
Average Salary: $300,000–$600,000+ annually
Their high earnings come from the specialized nature of their work, long years of training (including medical school in some cases), and the demand for their skills in hospitals and private surgical clinics.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are the second-richest type of dentist, specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth and jaw alignment. Their services include:
- Braces and aligners (Invisalign)
- Bite correction
- Jaw positioning treatments
Average Salary: $250,000–$500,000 annually
Orthodontists often run high-volume practices and serve a large population of both teens and adults. The rising demand for cosmetic dental alignment has driven profits even higher in recent years.
Endodontists
Endodontists focus on diagnosing and treating issues within the tooth pulp and root canals. While many general dentists perform root canals, endodontists handle complex cases.
Average Salary: $200,000–$400,000 annually
Their income reflects their limited competition, high patient demand for pain relief, and specialized skill set. They often complete procedures more efficiently than general dentists, which increases profitability.
Prosthodontists
These dental specialists focus on the restoration and replacement of teeth. They work with dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Average Salary: $180,000–$350,000 annually
Prosthodontists earn a high income due to the value of cosmetic and restorative work, which patients often pay for out-of-pocket—boosting profitability.
Periodontists
Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and placing dental implants. Their procedures involve:
- Deep cleanings and scaling
- Surgical interventions for severe gum issues
- Bone and tissue grafts
- Implant placements
Average Salary: $180,000–$300,000 annually
With the rise in implant dentistry, many periodontists have significantly increased their earnings.
General Dentists: Income with Flexibility
Although specialists earn more on average, successful general dentists can still bring in substantial income—especially when running their own practices.
Average Salary: $150,000–$250,000 annually
A well-run general dentistry practice with multiple hygienists and associates can generate millions in revenue annually. At MoneyPlans, we frequently work with general dentists to improve profitability through passive income streams, practice scaling, and smart investments.
Factors That Influence a Dentist’s Wealth
Beyond specialty, several factors influence how wealthy a dentist can become:
1. Practice Ownership
Owning a dental clinic is often the most direct path to wealth in the field. Owners earn profits from all services rendered and can scale by hiring associate dentists or expanding locations.
2. Location
Dentists in urban or affluent areas often charge more for services, while rural areas may offer less competition, allowing higher patient flow.
3. Patient Base
Cosmetic and elective dental services are typically not covered by insurance, allowing for higher profit margins. Dentists who market these services well tend to earn more.
4. Business Skills
Dentists who understand operations, marketing, and management often outperform their peers in terms of income. Leveraging business acumen with dental expertise unlocks major potential.
MoneyPlans offers tools and strategies for dental professionals who want to grow beyond clinical work and build long-term wealth. Check out our resources at MoneyPlans.
Wealth Beyond the Chair: Passive Income for Dentists
Wealth doesn’t just come from working more hours. Many of the richest dentists build passive income streams that let their money work for them.
Examples Include:
- Owning real estate: Dental practices, commercial buildings, or short-term rentals
- Investing in the stock market or dental startups
- Creating dental education courses or writing books
- Franchising dental practices
- Buying equity in dental supply or lab companies
By combining high-income clinical work with passive income investments, dentists can dramatically grow their net worth and reduce reliance on chair-time.
How to Become a High-Income Dentist
If your goal is to be among the top-earning dentists, here’s a step-by-step path you can follow:
1. Choose the Right Dental Specialty
Consider oral surgery, orthodontics, or endodontics. These require additional schooling but often lead to higher salaries.
2. Invest in Business Skills
Understand how to manage your own practice, optimize costs, market your services, and lead a team. Consider getting coaching or financial guidance from platforms like MoneyPlans to sharpen your business acumen.
3. Offer High-Margin Services
Focus on services that people are willing to pay for out-of-pocket, such as veneers, implants, and aligners. These often have less insurance red tape and higher profit margins.
4. Build a Scalable Practice
A solo dentist can only do so much. To grow wealth, consider hiring associates, expanding services, or opening additional locations.
5. Invest Your Income Wisely
Once you’re earning a strong income, invest in diversified assets that build long-term financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the highest-paid dental specialist?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the highest-paid dental specialists, often earning between $300,000 to $600,000+ annually.
2. Can a general dentist become rich?
Yes. General dentists who own successful practices, provide high-margin services, or scale through multiple locations can build significant wealth.
3. How long does it take to become a high-earning dentist?
It depends on the specialty. Oral surgeons may take up to 10–12 years including dental and medical training, while general dentists can begin earning sooner. However, financial growth often depends on business development and smart investment.
4. What’s more profitable: owning a practice or working as a specialist?
Owning a practice typically offers higher long-term income potential, while working as a specialist offers a higher salary with fewer management responsibilities. The richest dentists often do both—specialize and own practices.
5. Do dentists make more than doctors?
Some dental specialists, like oral surgeons and orthodontists, can out-earn many physicians. However, this depends on the medical specialty and business structure.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the richest type of dentist? The answer is clear: oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically top the income charts. However, income alone doesn’t define financial success. The richest dentists are those who combine their clinical skills with smart business decisions and passive income strategies.
At MoneyPlans, we believe that financial literacy is key to maximizing your potential as a healthcare professional. Whether you’re a student exploring career paths or a seasoned dentist aiming to expand your practice, we’re here to help. Visit MoneyPlans to learn more about scaling income, investing wisely, and building long-term wealth in the dental profession.