How much does a Dentist Associate make in the United States?
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The average Dentist Associate salary in the United States is $94,051 as of April 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Dentist Associate positions (listed below) typically falls between $82,501 and $105,600. 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.
Dentist Associate's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Associate Dentist | $194,708 | $93.61 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Dentist Associate Hybrid | $193,799 | $93.17 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| General Dentist Associate | $198,720 | $95.54 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Associate Dentist DDS DMD | $197,771 | $95.08 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Associate Dentist Private Practice | $193,542 | $93.05 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Dentist | $202,091 | $97.16 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Cosmetic Dentist | $186,363 | $89.60 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| dentist orthodontist | $176,648 | $84.93 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| General Dentist | $197,179 | $94.80 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Pediatric Dentist | $200,973 | $96.62 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
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Dentist 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. Being a Dentist 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. Additionally, Dentist requires a state licensed to practice. Typically reports to a top management. Dentist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. View Dentist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:DDS
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Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. Many dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field. This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. However, there are still dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists. View Cosmetic Dentist Salary
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A dentist orthodontist specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. This role involves designing and implementing treatment plans for patients requiring braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Responsibilities include conducting thorough examinations, taking dental impressions, and utilizing imaging technology to assess alignment issues. Orthodontists also educate patients on oral hygiene and the importance of maintaining treatment schedules. Salary for orthodontists can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the type of practice. On average, orthodontists earn a higher income compared to general dentists, with annual salaries typically ranging from $150,000 to over $300,000. Additional income may be generated through bonuses, profit-sharing, or ownership of a practice. The demand for orthodontic services continues to grow, contributing to competitive compensation in this specialized field. View dentist orthodontist Salary