Average salary, compensation, and wages for Dentists in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of salaried dentists were $123,210 in 2002. Earnings vary according to number of years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty. Self-employed dentists in private practice tend to earn more than salaried dentists. A relatively large proportion of dentists is self-employed. Like other business owners, these dentists must provide their own health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. More information on Dentists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Dentists occupation Number of Dentists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Dentists Working conditions for Dentists Significant points for Dentists Training requirements for Dentists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |