Highest Paying Dental Jobs With Specialties and Their Salaries
General dentistry offers a stable and fulfilling career, but for those seeking dental jobs that pay well, specializing can open the door to some of the highest paying dental jobs in the industry. Many of the highest paid dentists work in specialized fields that consistently rank among the highest paying dental specialties.
If you’re wondering which dental specialties pay the most, you’ll also find insights into their average salaries and the best dental careers in the U.S. Find below the highest paid jobs in dental field:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $450,000 – $500,000+
Education Timeline: 12–14 years (including possible medical degree)
Best States for Practice: California, Texas, New York, Florida
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon holds the title for the highest-paying role in dentistry. Professionals in this field handle complex procedures related to oral and maxillofacial surgery, including the treatment of radiation-related diseases, oral cancer, gum disease, facial fractures, and salivary gland disorders. With such a wide range of responsibilities, it’s no surprise that the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s income ranks at the top among dental careers.
To pursue this path, one must complete a four-year undergraduate program—this serves as the foundation for entering the field of oral and maxillofacial dentist jobs. Whether you’re exploring maxillofacial surgeon salary potential or seeking a specialized career in dentistry, this field offers both prestige and high earning power.
This is followed by four years of dental school and a residency program that typically lasts between four to six years. Like other dental professionals, those pursuing oral and maxillofacial surgery must also complete a rigorous licensing process. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat not only complex oral conditions but also perform procedures that go beyond the scope of general dentistry. Due to the extensive nature of their work, many in this field pursue a medical degree in addition to their dental training, ensuring they’re equipped to handle both dental and surgical challenges.
Dental Anesthesiologist
Average Annual Salary: $300,000 – $350,000
Education Timeline: 11 years (BDS + DDS + 3-year residency)
High-Demand Areas: Urban hospitals, surgical centers, and pediatric clinics
Approximately 20–36% of people experience dental anxiety, often rooted in fear of pain, past trauma, or general medical-related stress. To ease these fears and improve patient comfort, dental anesthesiologists use general anesthesia and sedation techniques, making routine and complex dental procedures far more manageable. Their role is crucial in helping patients undergo both minor treatments and more advanced procedures without distress. With such a wide range of responsibilities, it’s no surprise that the dental anesthesiologist’s salary ranks at the 2nd most demanding jobs in dental careers.
To become a dental anesthesiologist, one must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of dental school, and a three-year residency in dental anesthesiology. In addition, they are required to obtain state licensure to practice professionally.
Orthodontist
Average Annual Salary: $250,000 – $330,000
Education Timeline: 10–11 years (UG + Dental School + Residency)
Top Cities: San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Houston
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. Using tools like braces, aligners, and other corrective devices, orthodontists help correct issues such as crowding and gaps, ultimately leading to straighter teeth. These improvements not only enhance oral function but also boost a patient’s self-confidence.
Orthodontic care blends aspects of cosmetic, therapeutic, and private dental practice. If you’re considering this rewarding career path, you might be wondering, how much do orthodontists make? Salaries in this field are among the highest in dentistry, reflecting both the expertise required and the demand for orthodontic services.
To become an orthodontist, the journey begins with a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school. After earning a dental degree, aspiring orthodontists must complete a specialized residency program that typically lasts two to three years. In addition to their education and training, orthodontists are also required to obtain state licensure to practice professionally.
Prosthodontist
Average Annual Salary: $150,000 – $208,000
Specialty Focus: Restorative dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction
Practice Settings: Private clinics, hospitals, and dental schools
Prosthodontists specialize in dental appliances such as bridges, crowns, dentures, and dental implants. Their treatments involve a variety of materials and techniques to create durable, permanent restorations. As highly skilled dental specialists, prosthodontists restore and replace missing teeth—improving not only aesthetics but also speech and chewing function. These restorations, whether for a single tooth or a full smile, deliver both functional and cosmetic results. With such advanced expertise, it’s no surprise that the prosthodontist salary reflects the value and precision of their work in the dental field.
Endodontists
Average Annual Salary: $200,000 – $280,000
Known For: Expertise in root canals and saving natural teeth
Top States: Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina
The most well-known procedure performed by endodontists is the root canal, but their expertise extends far beyond that. Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the dental pulp and tooth roots.
From managing dental trauma and impacted teeth to treating infected or inflamed pulp, they use advanced techniques to save and preserve natural teeth. Their work plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and supporting overall well-being. In many cases, it’s the skilled intervention of an endodontist that prevents tooth loss and ensures long-term dental stability.
Conclusion
Dentistry is a thriving field that offers excellent opportunities for those seeking high-paying, rewarding dental careers. Pursuing advanced education, specialized training, and staying updated with the latest dental techniques can ease the concerns many aspiring dental professionals may have.
If you’re aiming for one of these high-paying dental roles, it’s just as important to know how to talk about your salary as it is to land the job itself. Take a look at our Tips for Salary Negotiations for Dentists—it’s a helpful guide to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re truly worth.
FAQs; Highest Paying Dental Jobs Salaries in USA
Still have questions about which dental specialties are currently in highest demand? Read below:
1. What is the highest-paying dental specialty in 2025?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons top the list, earning between ₹15 to ₹30 lakhs per year in India, depending on experience and location.
2. How much does a dental anesthesiologist earn annually?
In the U.S., dental anesthesiologists earn an average of $302,970 per year. In India, salaries range from ₹10 to ₹25 lakhs annually, influenced by factors like experience and practice setting.
3. What are the top 5 highest-paying dental jobs?
The top-paying dental specialties include:
– Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
– Orthodontist
– Prosthodontist
– Periodontist
– Dental Anesthesiologist
4. How long does it take to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
It typically requires 11–13 years: 4 years of undergraduate studies, 4 years of dental school, and 4–6 years of surgical residency.
5. What is the average prosthodontist salary?
Prosthodontists in the U.S. earn between $150,000 to $208,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
6. Do dental specialists earn more than general dentists?
Yes, specialists often earn 20% to over 100% more than general dentists due to their advanced training and specialized procedures.
7. Which countries offer the highest salaries for dentists?
Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom are known for offering high salaries to dental professionals, especially specialists.
8. Is pursuing a dental specialty worth the investment?
Absolutely. While specialization requires additional years of education and training, it often leads to higher earning potential and opportunities to perform advanced procedures.
Curious about which dental careers offer the highest salaries? Explore high-paying roles like Orthodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Prosthodontists, and more, where rewarding work meets impressive pay. Partnering with a specialist dental employment agency can be your first step toward landing the dental career of your dreams!
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