Top 10 Highest-Paid Dental Specialties in the U.S. (2025 Salary Guide)

Dentistry is one of the most rewarding healthcare professions. Both in terms of patient impact and earning potential. While every dentist plays an important role in maintaining oral health, some dental specialties offer significantly higher salaries due to their advanced training, demand, and complexity of care.

If you’re planning on becoming a dentist and are curious about the best-paying fields, this guide breaks down the highest-paid dental specialties, their average salaries, job outlook, and what each role involves.

Why Dentistry Matters Beyond Oral Health

Oral health isn’t just about a confident smile—it’s directly linked to overall well-being. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease have been connected to oral infections and inflammation caused by bacteria. Dentists don’t just fill cavities and place crowns—they help prevent oral problems from escalating into systemic health issues.

Looking for a pre-dental internship or dental elective abroad? Inquire here.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Dental Specialties

Note: Salaries reflect U.S. averages and vary by state, city, and years of experience.

A Closer Look at the Highest-Paid Roles

#1. Dental Anesthesiologist – $393,215/year

These specialists focus on anesthesia and pain management during dental procedures. They work closely with oral surgeons, endodontists, and general dentists to keep patients safe and comfortable during operations like extractions, implants, or reconstructive procedures.

#2. Dentist in Private Practice – $374,999/year

Owning a practice allows dentists to balance clinical care with business management. Private practice dentists perform routine treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and surgical procedures while also managing patient relationships and clinic operations.

#3. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon – $368,879/year

Surgeons in this field handle complex jaw, mouth, and facial surgeries. From cleft palate repairs to cancer-related reconstructions, their work requires hospital-based collaboration with medical specialists.

#4. Maxillofacial Prosthodontist – $368,879/year

These experts restore oral and facial structures lost to trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. They design custom prosthetics, often working with oncologists and surgeons to rebuild patients’ quality of life.

#5. Orthodontist – $309,402/year

Orthodontists specialize in realigning teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and corrective appliances. They don’t just create straighter smiles but also correct functional issues like overbites and misaligned jaws.

#6. Prosthodontist – $330,066/year

Known as the “architects of smiles,” prosthodontists design and fit crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. They also address complex facial reconstructions and work with other specialists to provide holistic treatment.

#7. Pediatric Dentist – $277,314/year

Pediatric specialists provide preventive and restorative care for children, from infancy through adolescence. Their focus extends beyond treatment to helping children develop positive lifelong dental habits.

#6. Endodontist – $241,185/year

Endodontists diagnose and treat issues within tooth pulp, specializing in root canals that preserve natural teeth instead of resorting to extractions. Only about 3% of dentists pursue this specialty.

#7. Periodontist – $225,102/year

These specialists treat gum disease, oral inflammation, and dental implants. They manage both surgical and nonsurgical care for patients with complex periodontal conditions.

#8. General Dentist – $159,530/year

General dentists form the backbone of oral healthcare, handling routine cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and preventive education. While they earn less than specialists, they remain in high demand nationwide.

Where Do Dentists Earn the Most?

Top-paying states for dentists include:

• Rhode Island – $258,920
• Vermont – $254,190
• Alaska – $242,850
• Maine – $236,060
• New Hampshire – $222,430

Urban areas in California, Washington, and New York consistently report the highest salaries for specialists.

Should Salary Decide Your Dental Path?

While salary can be a motivator, the best specialty is the one that aligns with your skills, interests, and passion. Dentistry requires years of study, residency training, and continuing education—choosing a field you enjoy is essential for long-term success.

If you’re still early in your journey, one of the best ways to discover your passion is through hands-on experience. Go Elective offers pre-dental internships abroad where you’ll shadow dentists, assist in patient care, and explore global oral health challenges in Kenya and Tanzania. These immersive experiences not only help you clarify your interests but also strengthen your dental school application.

Final Thoughts

Dentistry is a profession that combines science, artistry, and patient care. From high-paying specialties like anesthesiology and oral surgery to essential general practice roles, every dental career path contributes to improving health and quality of life.

As you plan your path, weigh salary potential against your personal interests and long-term goals. And remember, building experience early, whether through shadowing or global internships, can give you the insight and preparation needed to succeed in any specialty.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 10, 2025