Like any other medical profession, dentists can earn a lot money each year. In fact, it’s estimated that the average dentist can upwards of $160,000 per year. That breaks down to about $77 per hour, or roughly $1,400 per week. That’s going to be much more than what the average person makes at their typical 9-5 job, which is why it’s important to remember that being a dentist most certainly isn’t a typical career choice.
In fact, the amount that a dentist makes each year is going to depend on a variety of different factors. For the dentists that are willing to put in a lot of work and effort to see their practice grow, the sky is truly the limit and they can make as much money as they want. On the other hand, dentists who only work a few days a week and spend the rest of the time on the golf course won’t see nearly as many zeros at the end of their yearly paycheck.
To get a better idea of what determines how much a dentist can make, here are some factors that are go into the equation.
How Much Does a Dentist Make
Educational Background/Experience
When first starting in the industry, it can be difficult for a dentist to build their reputation and a clientele to go with it. This is because patients want to work with someone who is considered to be reputable and trustworthy, especially if they are going to trust their with their oral health.
For dentists that want to come right out of dental school and make the most money, it’s important that they graduate from a school that is highly regarded as a reputable university. During their time in school, dentists should also do their best while in residency so that they can work to hone in on their skills. The more accolades and achievements that a dentist can accomplish during their time while in school, the better this will look when trying to gain new clients as they get out on their own and start their own practice. However, dentists that do not have as impressive a background will likely have a more difficult time building their clientele in the first few years of being out on their own.
Work Ethic
One of the great parts about being a dentist is that you get to choose when you want to work and how hard you work each day. For some dentists, they make enough money by just work three or four days a week, so they spend the rest of the time playing golf or being with their family. However, these dentists are certainly not going to make nearly as much as the dentists who work five or six days a week. Dentists who want to make the most money are going to have a strong work ethic and be willing to put in the time at their practice. On the other hand, those that are just trying to make enough to live will notice that they can get by on much less.
The Variety Of Services That Are Offered
Not all dentists offer the same services, and this has a lot to do with how much a dentist can make each year. Dentists who also have an education in cosmetic dentistry and offer services like dental veneers or Invisalign will be able to charge much more for their services than a dentist who only offers routine cleanings and checkups. Cosmetic dentistry has quickly grown to become one of the most popular medical treatments in the world, so this is something that a dentist will certainly want to offer with their practice. If they don’t, then they could find it difficult trying to keep up with the those who have a wide range of services to choose from.
Conditions Of Their Market
In recent years, the struggling global economy has had an impact on nearly everyone across the world. As this happens, some people may look to certain places to begin cutting out general services that they typically have done on a regular basis. For example, if a person is laid off from their job, then they no longer have the health insurance that provides them with routine dental checkups.
On the other hand, some people live in very wealthy areas and are doing well, despite the economic downturn. For these people, not only are they still going to continue going to the dentist, but they may also rely on more expensive cosmetic dentistry treatments to have an even more beautiful smile.
The fact of the matter is that the economic conditions of a market are going to greatly determine how much a dentist can make. Therefore, this is a consideration that should be made when a dentist is first starting their practice.
The good news is that dentists who want to work hard can make a lot of money. However, they should consider the factors here if they truly want to make the most that they possibly can.
