Average General Dentist Salary in British Columbia
Percentile Wage Estimates for General Dentist
General Dentist Salary in British Columbia
General dentists in British Columbia (B.C.) enjoy one of the most rewarding and respected careers in the Canadian healthcare landscape. With its growing population, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and emphasis on preventive and restorative care, British Columbia presents excellent opportunities for dental professionals. As of recent data, the average annual general dentists’ salary in British Columbia is approximately $323,000, placing it among the top three highest-paying provinces in Canada.
The earnings reflect both the demand for dental services and the high quality of care expected across the province. On an hourly basis, a general dentist’s salary in British Columbia can be expected to be roughly around $155.35 per hour, depending on their specialization, experience, and geographic location within the province.
General Dentist Salary in Other Canadian Provinces
| Province | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $31,667 | $380,000 | $183/hour |
| Ontario | $26,333 | $316,000 | $152/hour |
While Alberta leads with the highest average annual pay, British Columbia remains highly competitive, offering excellent lifestyle benefits, strong demand, and diverse practice settings that make it a top choice for general dentists.
Trends for General Dentist Salary in British Columbia
British Columbia has been experiencing consistent salary growth for general dentists over the past five years, driven by several converging factors. Increased patient awareness of oral health, along with expanding dental insurance coverage under both public and private plans, has boosted the demand for dental services. Additionally, the retirement of older dentists has opened up more positions and leadership opportunities for younger professionals.
Population growth in major cities such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna has further increased the need for dental care, contributing to the upward trend in compensation. As of the latest data, there are 12 general dentist job openings currently available in British Columbia, with 183 positions open nationwide. This reflects a tight but growing job market, particularly in suburban and rural communities that are actively recruiting to address gaps in dental care access.
General Dentist’s Roles and Responsibilities in British Columbia
General dentists in British Columbia are licensed healthcare professionals who provide a wide range of diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental services. They serve as the primary oral healthcare providers for individuals and families, helping to manage both immediate dental needs and long-term oral health. Their responsibilities typically include:
- ●Conducting comprehensive oral examinations
- General dentists perform detailed oral assessments to evaluate the condition of teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding structures, often identifying early signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
- ●Performing restorative procedures
- They treat cavities through fillings, carry out root canal therapy to address pulp infections, and restore damaged or missing teeth with crowns, bridges, and other prosthetics.
- ●Extracting teeth and conducting minor oral surgeries
- When necessary, general dentists perform tooth extractions and minor surgical procedures, such as removing impacted teeth or addressing soft tissue concerns.
- ●Designing and fitting dental prosthetics
- Dentists are responsible for creating treatment plans involving crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants to restore function and aesthetics.
- ●Educating patients on oral hygiene and prevention
- A critical part of the role involves helping patients understand proper brushing and flossing techniques, diet-related oral health risks, and the importance of routine checkups.
In addition to clinical care, general dentists in British Columbia often engage in broader roles such as community outreach, public health promotion, and continuing professional development. Many serve as mentors, clinical instructors, or practice owners. With advancements in dental technology, general dentists are also increasingly offering services in cosmetic dentistry, digital workflows, and minimally invasive procedures that meet the demands of modern patients.
Where General Dentists Work in British Columbia
General dentists in British Columbia practice in a wide range of settings, offering flexibility and opportunities to align with both clinical interests and community needs. Their roles extend beyond traditional office environments, especially as the province expands efforts to improve oral health access across diverse populations. Common practice settings include:
- ●Private dental practices
- This remains the most common setting, with general dentists working either as associates or practice owners. These practices vary in size from solo offices to multi-chair clinics, allowing dentists to choose their preferred level of autonomy and scope of services.
- ●Community health clinics
- General dentists in community-based settings serve underserved and vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and newcomers. These roles are particularly vital in rural and remote areas of the province.
- ●Hospitals and surgical centers
- Dentists with additional training may work in hospital environments where they perform complex extractions, treat medically compromised patients, or collaborate with surgical teams.
- ●Academic institutions
- Some general dentists hold faculty positions at institutions such as the University of British Columbia (UBC), participating in dental education, research, and mentorship of future oral health professionals.
- ●Public health departments
- Dentists in public health contribute to provincial initiatives such as school-based screenings, oral health promotion, and policy development. They may also work with mobile dental units that serve children, seniors, and Indigenous communities.
- ●Mobile and teledentistry services
- To bridge care gaps in remote and Indigenous regions, many general dentists in British Columbia offer mobile dental services or participate in tele-dentistry programs, supporting equitable access to care.
This variety of practice settings allows general dentists to tailor their careers to their personal goals, whether they prioritize entrepreneurship, community service, teaching, or clinical specialization.
Reasons for Increasing General Dentist Income in British Columbia
Several factors contribute to the strong salary levels and growing earning potential for general dentists in British Columbia:
- ●Population Growth and Urbanization
- With B.C.’s population increasing, especially in urban centers like Metro Vancouver, the demand for dental services continues to rise.
- ●High Cost of Living
- To attract and retain skilled professionals in expensive regions, dental salaries have adjusted to match the cost of living, particularly in cities like Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond.
- ●Retirement Wave
- A large number of senior dentists are retiring, especially those who opened practices in the 1980s and 1990s. This opens up opportunities for young professionals to step in, often into ownership roles.
- ●Insurance Coverage & Preventive Care
- Both public and private health insurers are encouraging preventive dental visits, which has led to an increase in patient volume and procedures performed by general dentists.
- ●Specialized Skills & Continuing Education
- Dentists who offer additional services such as Invisalign®, implants, or sedation dentistry tend to earn above-average incomes in B.C., thanks to their advanced training and scope of offerings.
High-Earning Areas Within British Columbia
Within the province, dentists in certain regions consistently report above-average earnings due to a combination of factors such as patient volume, practice ownership, and geographic location. In Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the high population density and strong private practice opportunities contribute to higher income potential. Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley have seen rapid growth and an influx of retirees, driving increased demand for dental services.
Victoria benefits from an affluent clientele and expanding suburban neighborhoods, which support thriving dental practices. Meanwhile, dentists in Northern B.C. and other remote areas often receive government-supported incentives and higher fees to encourage service in underserved communities.
In rural and remote regions, dentists may receive relocation bonuses, loan forgiveness, and elevated compensation packages as part of recruitment programs. These incentives can significantly boost annual income while providing opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
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