Dentist Salary in Missouri: Average Income, Factors & Job Outlook (2024 Guide)

Question: “How much do dentists make in Missouri?” If you’re planning to be a dentist, thinking about job offers, or want to move to the Show-Me State, you want the real answer. You want to know not just the pay, but why it is what it is, and what you can do to make more. This guide gives you clear and simple facts, context that matters, and smart steps to help you reach your career goals.

In This Article

• Average Dentist Salary in Missouri (2024 Snapshot)
• What Shapes Dentist Pay in Missouri
• Salary by City: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia and More
• Beyond Base Pay: Benefits and Bonuses
• Job Outlook and Demand in Missouri
• The Path to Practice: Education, Licensure and Debt
• Who This Guide Helps
• Is Missouri a Good State for Dentists
• Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Average Dentist Salary in Missouri (2024 Snapshot)

Let’s look at what dentists in Missouri earn, based on recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and major pay tracking sites (2023–2024):

• Average yearly salary for all dentists in Missouri: $185,000–$205,000
• Median yearly salary for all dentists in Missouri: $170,000–$190,000
• Usual ranges:
• 10th percentile: $100,000–$120,000
• 25th percentile: $130,000–$150,000
• 75th percentile: $220,000–$250,000
• 90th percentile: $280,000–$320,000 or more
• Average hourly rate: about $85–$100/hour

How does this compare nationally?

• U.S. average: $200,000–$230,000
• U.S. median: $175,000–$195,000
• High earners across the country also make more than $300,000

So Missouri is about in the middle for dentist pay, with good room for experienced dentists and those with specialties to make more.

Pay by experience in Missouri:

• New dentists (0–2 years): $110,000–$140,000
• Mid-career (5–9 years): $160,000–$200,000
• Experienced (10+ years): $220,000–$300,000+

Keep in mind: Your gross salary (the number you see in an offer) is not the same as the money you keep after costs (your “take-home pay”). Practice owners pay for staff, labs, rent, supplies, and insurance. Employees and associates don’t pay those things, but their pay still depends on how their contract is set up. We break this down next.

What Shapes Dentist Pay in Missouri

You can make more money as a dentist by understanding and using these factors.

Experience Level

• New dentists in Missouri usually start around $110,000 to $140,000. Some bigger dental companies and clinics give steady pay plus some bonuses and solid benefits to start.
• Mid-career dentists go faster, do more types of care, and have built up patients—and move into the $160,000 to $200,000 range.
• Seasoned dentists with 10+ years can make $220,000 and often up to $300,000+ if they’re busy, do more procedures, or have some leadership voice in their office.

Experience means you work smarter, faster, and do more types of care. Your patients trust you and say yes to more treatment over time.

Where in Missouri You Work

Pay changes a lot city to city because of cost of living, how people pay their bills (insurance vs. cash), and how many dentists are nearby.

• Big cities like St. Louis and Kansas City usually pay the highest
• Mid-size cities like Springfield and Columbia aren’t far behind
• Smaller towns can pay well to get and keep dentists, and they might offer extra perks like help paying off loans

We’ll go over city-by-city numbers soon.

Dental Specialties

Dentists who specialize usually earn more than general dentists:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons make about double the average general dentist
• Orthodontists often make 1.5–2x what general dentists do
• Pediatric dentists, endodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists also do better, depending on the town

Your training, the need in your area, and how your office works all make a difference.

Practice Type

How you work makes a huge difference:

• Private practice associate
• Pros: Steady schedule, advice from older dentists, less risk
• Cons: Pay depends on how much you produce, fewer chances to own or profit directly
• Private practice owner
• Pros: Highest long-term earning, you set fees and make big decisions
• Cons: You cover all the office bills, do hiring, manage insurance, buy equipment
• Corporate/DSO dentist
• Pros: Clear pay, benefits, help with classes, marketing built-in
• Cons: Less say in choosing materials, scheduling, or treatment plans sometimes
• Hospital or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), VA
• Pros: Good benefits, possible help with loans, consistent hours, meaningful work
• Cons: Usually pays less than a private office, but total value can still be strong

More Training and Certifications

Extra courses and skills mean you can do more and get paid more, like:

• IV sedation
• Clear aligners for teeth
• Placing implants and bone grafts
• Doing root canals with new equipment
• Laser dentistry
• Fancy tooth replacements

How Busy You Are

The more quality work you do, the more you make.

• Full treatment plans mean more $ per patient
• Doing root canals, pulling teeth, and placing implants bumps up daily earnings
• Keep a full hygiene schedule
• Explaining treatment well means more people say yes to care

How your pay is set:

• Salary plus bonus: Safe, with upside if you work a lot
• Percent of production: Rewards speed and type of work
• Percent of what office gets paid (collections): Depends on what’s actually paid by insurance/patients
• Per diem: Good for temp/fill-in gigs
• Fee-for-service vs PPO vs Medicaid: FFS pays the most per treatment, PPO means more patients but less per visit, Medicaid is steady but lower pay

Costs and Net Income in Missouri

Your listed salary isn’t your spendable money. Owners cover:

• Staff wages/benefits
• Lab fees for crowns, bridges, dentures, implants
• Dental supplies/tech (like imaging)
• Rent/mortgage
• Malpractice insurance
• Utility bills
• Marketing and patient reminders

Two quick money-saving tips:

• Pick a dependable crown partner. Good crowns save time and cut down on redoing work. Missouri dentists often want a reliable crown and bridge lab.
• Go digital where you can. Digital impressions and lab work make things quicker; see what a digital dental lab can do for you.

Salary by City: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and More

2024 numbers from big pay sites show these average salaries:

St. Louis

• About $190,000–$210,000
• Big hospitals, lots of insurance types, strong need for both general and specialty dentistry

Kansas City

• About $185,000–$205,000
• Mix of private and corporate offices, shares some markets with Kansas, steady stream of new patients in well-run offices

Springfield

• About $175,000–$195,000
• Lots of families and retirees; doing several types of care helps

Columbia

• About $170,000–$190,000
• College town so more young patients, good for preventive and full-service care

Other Cities and Small Towns

• St. Charles, St. Joseph: Much like the big metros, usually plenty of patients
• Lee’s Summit, Independence, O’Fallon: Growing suburbs—good for family dentistry
• Jefferson City: State jobs and a stable patient base
• Rural Missouri: Can pay well, less competition, loan payoff programs, and quick path to leading your own office

Beyond Base Pay: Benefits and Bonuses

Pay isn’t everything. Good offices add value in:

• Health insurance: For you, sometimes for your family too
• 401k or retirement plans: Matched savings or some extra from the office
• Paid vacation/sick time
• Class fees, support for licensing and travel to classes
• Malpractice and liability insurance
• Monthly/yearly bonuses for hitting goals
• Signing bonus or help moving (for rural or tough-to-hire spots)
• Student loan help: Especially through community clinics, FQHCs, or the VA
• Life and disability insurance
• Ownership or eventual profit-sharing

A job with a little less base pay but way better perks, support, and learning might be a better choice overall.

Job Outlook and Demand in Missouri

Big picture forecast:

• Dentist jobs in Missouri expected to grow about 5–7% from 2022–2032 (about average for the U.S.)
• Around 3,500–4,000 working dentists in Missouri as of 2023

Why jobs will stay steady:

• Older people need more dental repairs
• Medicaid covers more people in some areas
• Many want whiter, nicer teeth and newer treatments
• Technology (like easier scans and 3D tooth printing) brings in more people and makes treatment go smoothly

Rural vs City:

• Cities have more dentists, but you can stand out by giving good service
• Rural areas = good pay, less competition, and loan help—plus faster leadership opportunities

Working for the government or clinics:

• Steady pay, lots of benefits, and possible loan help for working in clinics/FQHCs or the VA
• Total pay is usually less than owning your own office, but the package can be very rewarding

The Path to Practice: Education, Licensure and Debt

Dental School in Missouri

Two main schools:

• University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry
• A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health

Both prepare you for regular or specialty work (like braces, surgery, kids’ teeth, and so on). Taking more classes after school can help you earn more and feel more confident, especially early on.

Getting Your License

Missouri Board of Dentistry is in charge. You’ll need:

• A DDS or DMD degree
• Passing national written and practical tests
• Passing a law test and background check

Check their website for any changes or new steps.

Dental School Debt

Dental school costs a lot. Most new dentists have big student loans and need to plan around them.

Ways to keep debt in check:

• Start with lower monthly payments while building your practice
• Refinance to a lower rate when your pay goes up
• Work at clinics or public health programs that help pay off loans
• Some federal plans will pay off part of your loans if you serve in areas that need help

Quick money tips:

• Build a “rainy day” fund
• Have disability insurance—just in case
• Put something in your retirement fund as soon as possible, especially if your job matches it
• If you own your practice, know your expenses well; even small savings can mean more take-home pay

Tech and Labs That Help Your Earnings

The right tools help you see more patients, cut stress, and increase income.

• Digital dentistry: Fast, accurate scans and 3D printing make treatment quicker. Check out what a digital dental lab can do.
• Restorative partners: Crowns, bridges, and implants that fit well save time and reduce re-makes. See what the right crown and bridge lab offers.
• Implants and full-arch treatments: Doing these means higher pay per hour. Good lab support for these cases is key.
• Removable dentures: Lots of older adults need partial or full dentures. A solid removable denture lab keeps your work steady and affordable.

Who This Guide Helps

Are you:

• Thinking about becoming a dentist? (High school or college students—want to know if it’s “worth it”?)
• A dental student or recent grad? (Comparing job offers, thinking DSO vs private office, want to own a practice or do specialty work someday?)
• Already working as a dentist? (Thinking of moving, starting your own place, or joining a health clinic?)
• A practice owner? (Want to know if you’re paying the right amount, or how to earn more each year?)
• A parent or family member? (Wondering if dentistry in Missouri will give your loved one a good career?)

Is Missouri a Good State for Dentists?

Short answer: Yes, with some things to consider. Missouri pays dentists about the national average, but with a lower cost of living, so your money goes further.

Good stuff about Missouri:

• Solid pay, especially for people with experience or a specialty
• Many types of jobs: big cities, small towns, hospitals, and health clinics
• Two in-state dental schools supply new dentists
• Wide range of patients and treatments needed
• Lower cost of living than other states, so your pay stretches more

Things to think about:

• Who pays for care (insurance, cash, Medicaid) varies by area—this changes your bonus and take-home pay
• In big cities, competition is high—you need good marketing and people skills to stand out
• Owning pays the best, but it’s riskier and needs good business sense

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentist Pay in Missouri

Who is the highest paid dentist in Missouri?

• Oral surgeons and orthodontists usually rank on top. Some general dentists make just as much if they do lots of surgery, implants, or run their own practice well.

Do rural dentists earn more than city dentists?

• Sometimes, yes—when you include signing bonuses, help paying loans, or faster promotions. Some dentists still want city life, but small towns can mean steadier pay.

How do DSOs pay compared to private practices?

• DSOs (big dental companies) give a steady base plus bonus and benefits—good for new grads. Private offices can pay more long-term, but it depends.

Are dentists paid hourly or salary in Missouri?

• Both happen. Many new dentists are paid a base salary or daily rate, then shift to percent of what they bring in once established.

What’s the net income difference between practice owners and associates?

• Good owners can out-earn associates by a lot, but in slow months, owners take the loss. Employees get steady checks with less stress.

What about insurance and Medicaid?

• Fee-for-service pays best per treatment but can be slow to fill schedules. PPOs pay less per visit but bring in lots of patients. Medicaid pays less but is steady, especially in clinics.

How does dentist pay compare to other health jobs?

• Dentists usually earn more than nurse practitioners, PAs, eye doctors, or pharmacists, on average in Missouri.

Your Action Plan to Boost Earnings in Missouri

• Pick the right job for you
• New? Choose a place with good training, growth, and fair bonus plans
• Mid-career? Join an office that lets you do more high-value treatments
• Experienced? Think about ownership or partnership
• Learn more skills
• Implants, root canals, IV sedation, pulling teeth, clear aligners—all make you more valuable
• Sharpen people skills: more patients will say yes to your care
• Watch your numbers
• Track how much you make each hour, keep your hygiene schedule full, watch approvals and missed appointments—tweaks add up
• Keep costs down
• Negotiate lab and supply costs, work smarter with your team, review your fees each year
• Invest in good tech
• Digital scans and 3D tools save you time and hassle
• Use the reports in your office software to spot opportunities
• Location matters
• Underserved areas may bring bigger pay/leadership chance
• Big cities may work better for cosmetic and specialty work
• Protect yourself
• Get malpractice and disability insurance
• Put money in retirement as soon as you can
• Have a plan for student loans—don’t let them pile up

Data Sources and Notes

• Pay numbers from BLS May 2023, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com
• City-level ranges use averages from aggregator sites
• Job outlook from BLS
• Specialist pay is a ballpark; actual results vary by job, town, and office type
• Missouri Board of Dentistry has latest info on licensing
• For broad info, see the American Dental Association or O\*NET

Key Terms in Plain English

• DDS/DMD: Two names for the main dental degree
• Production: Money from the treatments you do
• Collections: What the office actually gets after insurance and discounts
• Overhead: All the costs to run the office
• Fee-for-service: Patients (or their plans) pay your full price, no deals
• PPO: You take a deal to see more patients, at lower fees
• FQHC: Community health centers that usually serve those with less access to care. Often offer loan help

Healthy Takeaway and Next Steps

Helping people smile is a great career. Missouri offers a strong path for new and experienced dentists alike.

Big points to remember:

• Average dentist pay in Missouri is around $185,000–$205,000; median is $170,000–$190,000
• New dentists start at $110,000–$140,000 and go up as they gain experience
• Specialists (like surgeons and orthodontists) make 1.5–2x general dentist pay
• St. Louis and Kansas City pay best, but Springfield and Columbia aren’t far behind
• Small towns can pay great and come with fewer headaches; you can pay off loans faster and take leadership sooner
• Your practice type, who pays for care, and how you manage costs matter more than the number on your offer letter
• You can make more by learning new procedures, going digital, explaining care clearly, and watching your costs

Next steps:

• Comparing jobs? Look at the whole package: pay, benefits, learning, and support
• Building skills? Add one new, high-value treatment this year (like implants, root canals, or clear aligners)
• Thinking about owning? Get a valuation and build a plan—talk to local mentors
• Considering small towns or clinics? Ask about loan help and leadership
• Already own? Track your costs, update fees, and explore digital tools, like working with a trusted crown and bridge lab or removable denture lab for better results and lower stress

Bottom line:

You help people eat, smile, and live better. That matters in Missouri. With good habits and steady growth, you can enjoy your work and your pay.

This guide uses public info as of 2024. Always double-check with the BLS, ADA, O\*NET, employers, and the Missouri Board of Dentistry for the latest numbers.