How much does a Dental make in the United States?
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The average Dental salary in the United States is $138,012 as of April 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Dental positions (listed below) typically falls between $44,494 and $231,530. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Dental's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Dental Hygienist | $86,040 | $41.37 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Dental Assistant | $49,622 | $23.86 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Health Underwriting Director | $178,264 | $85.70 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Health Underwriting Manager | $135,544 | $65.17 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Dentist | $202,091 | $97.16 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Orthodontist | $159,744 | $76.80 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| New Policy Coordinator | $57,230 | $27.51 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Plan Design Coordinator | $65,408 | $31.45 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
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Under the direct supervision of a dentist, cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. Performs routine examination and assessment of dental health. Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer. Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Provides instruction, guidance, and coaching to patients about methods to improve dental health. May take Radiographs or x-rays. Typically requires an associate degree in dental hygiene. Meets licensing requirements as a dental hygienist for the state. Radiography/x-ray certification per state guidelines. Basic Life Support certification (BLS.) Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience. View Dental Hygienist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Dental Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Dental HygienistCategory : Healthcare - Technicians
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Assists with dental surgical and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Prepares patient and arranges instruments and supplies used for procedures. Hands instruments to the dentist and helps during treatment. Ensures all instruments are sterile and follows infection control protocols. Records treatment notes and updates patient records. May take and process x-rays. May require an associate degree in dental assisting or equivalent. Has Basic Life Support (BLS) and depending on state, may have licensing requirement. Typically reports to a dentist. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. View Dental Assistant SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Dental Assistant (Certified), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Dental AssistantCategory : Healthcare - Technicians
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Directs and oversees the health insurance underwriting program for individuals and/or groups for medical and/or dental insurance. Responsible for ensuring integrity of underwriting activities and processes. Manages staff of underwriters at the organization. Provides assistance to underwriters on more complex applications. Has a strong knowledge of the underwriting discipline. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. View Health Underwriting Director SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Health Insurance Underwriting Director, Medical/Dental Underwriting Director, Health Underwriting Director
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Manages the health insurance underwriting program for individuals and/or groups for medical and/or dental insurance. Ensures integrity of underwriting activities and processes. Participates in the development of master policies and other official documents. Verifies that the account contracts are in compliance with government regulations. Typically is a RN with clinical experience. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Health Underwriting Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Health Insurance Underwriting Manager, Medical/Dental Underwriting Manager, Health Underwriting ManagerCategory : Healthcare - Administrative
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Examines and treats diseases and injuries of teeth and gums. Performs preventative and maintenance dentistry and educates the patient in proper tooth and gum care. Recommends braces or surgery to correct any malformations. Requires a doctorate degree in dentistry, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited school. Requires a state licensed to practice. Typically reports to a top management. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. View Dentist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:DDS, Dentist
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Prevents and corrects malformations of teeth and related oral structures. Must be a graduate of an accredited dental program and is licensed to practice dentistry. May require 2-4 years of experience. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. View Orthodontist SalaryCategory : Healthcare - Practitioners
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Processes incoming applications for new and renewing policies to include changes/updates according to company guidelines for group health, dental and/or life policies. Responsibilities include reviewing and screening requests, calculating new premiums, issuing new policies and associated documentation. Serves assigned accounts by responding to inquiries and resolving issues of concern. Requires an associate degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View New Policy Coordinator SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Policy Application Processing Clerk, New Policy CoordinatorCategory : Insurance
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Works closely with clients to design group health, dental and/or life insurance plans to create an overall benefit package. Works alongside underwriters, but is not an underwriter role. Ensures that plan meets appropriate internal, as well as legislative guidelines. Requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Plan Design Coordinator SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Group Plan Design Coordinator, Insurance Plan Design Coordinator, Plan Design CoordinatorCategory : Insurance