How Much Do Associate Dentists Make?

Just as there is more to life than money, there is more to a job than income. Like it or not, though, income is one of the primary motivators for job seekers. So what is realistic for an associate to make?

As recruiting consultants, we have interviewed thousands of dentists- more than 1,800 in 2012 alone. Using the information gathered from those interviews we were able to identify some general trends and averages for dentists who are either active job seekers or who are keeping an ear open for better opportunities. This is not a scientific analysis by any means. Results including self-reported income levels are inherently suspect, but we have done our best to take into account actual income based on reported production in addition to the responses of applicants.

In order to make the information more meaningful, I grouped our responses into three categories. “Early Career Dentists” includes doctors with less than five years of experience. “Mid-Career Dentists” have between five and fifteen years of experience. “Established Dentists” have more than fifteen years of experience and generally represent dentists who have either owned a practice and returned to the workforce, or who have opted for a career outside of ownership.

Average Associate Dentist income across all experience levels: $149,000 annually
Average Early Career Associate Dentist income: $135,000 annually
Average Mid-Career Associate Dentist income: $154,000 annually
Average Established Associate Dentist income: $163,000 annually

There are many factors that affect income. Practice type, location, patient load, and associate experience are all very important. Dental Economics and the Levin Group collaborate to put out an annual survey that includes a break down of the difference in income between different community types. You will see that the highest income potential is often not in the major cities but in the secondary markets, where there is less competition for patients, but where the local economy and population are sufficiently diverse to support a thriving private practice.

Note: The first number is the median and the second is the mean.

You can download the full survey results along with analysis at the Levin Group website: http://www.levingroup.com/gp/index.php/2011-10-25-17-53-19/delg-survey

For additional information on local income trends, contact the ETS Dental Recruiting consultant specializing in your area. A list of our recruiting consultants and their areas of focus can be found here: https://etsdental.com/about/team.htm.
>Contributed by Morgan Pace, Senior Dentist Recruiter for ETS Dental, www.etsdental.com | mpace@etsdental.com | 540-591-9102

News/Insights

Advance your Dental Career by Working with a Recruiter For Job Seekers

Advance your Dental Career by Working with a Recruiter

Sep 3, 2024

Get the edge you need to not just land a job, but to advance your dental career! The job market in 2024 is on fire, and demand for talented dentists and dental specialist is ...

Salary Negotiations for Dentists Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Salary Negotiations for Dentists

Aug 29, 2023

When going into salary negotiations for a new position, it’s natural to feel intimidated. Some simple preparation will help you negotiate with confidence and a sense of fair...

The Contract Series: Part 3 – Before You Sign Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 3 – Before You Sign

May 13, 2021

You’ve interviewed. You’ve negotiated. You’re ready to sign. Almost. There are still a few details to confirm.  The first, and perhaps most obvious, step you should ta...

The Contract Series: Part 2 – Reviewing the Terms Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 2 – Reviewing the Terms

Apr 20, 2021

You’ve been offered a contract. In many cases, the initial contract is a standard document with some wiggle room. Remember, you’ll have to live with the conditions of this...

The Contract Series: Part 1 – Preparing For Negotiations Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 1 – Preparing For Negotiations

Apr 13, 2021

 You’re in discussions with an employer for a position that looks like a great fit, and it looks like you’ll be offered a contract. However, one of the most critical aspe...

How to Turn Down a Job Offer Professionally Interviewing

How to Turn Down a Job Offer Professionally

Sep 23, 2020

In 2020, landing a position with an independent dental practice can be a challenge, particularly in the wake of a worldwide pandemic. In recent months, however, we've seen a s...

Associate Contracts: What to Look For in Your Next Contract Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Associate Contracts: What to Look For in Your Next Contract

May 13, 2020

A manila envelope appears on your desk with your new contract. It’s all there in black and white—the terms, salary, perks, and expectations. While an employment contract ...

Base Salary vs Actual Compensation Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Base Salary vs Actual Compensation

Dec 11, 2019

Not all salaries are created equal. All too often, we find that job seekers will overlook a potentially rewarding opportunity solely because the base salary offered is lower t...

What to Do When an Associate Doesn’t Want to Renew Their Contract Offers/Contracts/Compensation

What to Do When an Associate Doesn’t Want to Renew Their Contract

Aug 20, 2019

Maybe the contract renewal has been with the associate for a while and you’re hearing radio silence. Maybe they’ve told you they have no interest in renewing. Either way, ...

Are You Ready to Be a Partner? Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Are You Ready to Be a Partner?

Jun 3, 2019

There comes a time at every practice when taking on an additional partner makes good business sense. Partners, unlike associates, are part owners of a practice. Practice owner...