How Much Do Dentists Make in PA? Your Compassionate 2024 Salary Guide

You searched “how much do dentists make in PA” because you want a simple answer. Maybe you’re thinking about being a dentist. Maybe you’re just finishing school and want to know what’s fair pay. Or maybe you’re moving to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh and want a real number for your new life. You’re not alone. It’s a big choice, and money matters.

At a Glance: Quick Answer

In 2024, a general dentist in Pennsylvania usually makes about $180,000 to $220,000 each year. The wider range is around $120,000 for beginners to over $300,000 for top earners. Dental specialists usually make more. Orthodontists often get $280,000 to $350,000. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can hit anywhere from $350,000 to $550,000+ depending on how busy they are and hospital work.

These numbers are from places like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Salary.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, and dentist salary surveys. Real pay changes depending on your experience, city, practice type, how many patients you see, and how you’re paid.

Money decisions follow you everywhere as a dentist. It decides where you live, how quick you pay off loans, and even your daily schedule. If you’re unsure whether to take a steady job in a small town or try for more money in a big city, you’re not alone. Let’s make the numbers clear so you can choose confident.

Average Dentist Salary in Pennsylvania (General Overview)

• Statewide average for a general dentist: about $180,000 to $220,000
• Range: about $120,000 to $300,000+
• Median is the middle, average can be higher because some folks make a lot
• Nationally, Pennsylvania dentists earn about the same as the U.S. average
• Main info comes from BLS, ADA, Salary.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more—each might show a little difference

Dentist Salary Breakdown by Experience Level in PA

Entry-Level and New Grads

• Start pay: about $130,000 to $160,000
• Wider range: $100,000 to $180,000
• Boost your start pay if you finish GPR or AEGD programs
• Corporate dental offices usually pay a base plus bonuses
• Private practices might pay less base but grow faster as you get more patients
• Rural or small town practices often pay better to draw in new dentists

Mid-Career Dentists (5–10 Years)

• Range: about $200,000 to $280,000
• You make more as you get quick, add more treatments, or own part of a practice
• You can get better pay deals like bigger production percentages

Experienced Dentists (10+ Years)

• Range: about $220,000 to $300,000+, some earn more
• Owners of a good practice or leaders in a group make the most
• Doing high-value work like implants and aligners can raise your earnings
• Watch your expenses and build a good team

Salary by Dental Specialty in Pennsylvania

Not all dentists get the same pay. More training opens doors and raises earning ceiling.

General Dentists

• Average: about $180,000 to $220,000
• Range: about $120,000 to $300,000+
• How to grow: add more services, keep patients coming back, manage your schedule well

Highest Earning Specialties

• Orthodontists
• Common pay: $280,000 to $350,000
• Range: $180,000 to $500,000+
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Common pay: $350,000 to $550,000+
• Range: $250,000 to $700,000+

Other In-Demand Specialties

• Pediatric Dentists: $220,000 to $300,000 (range $150,000 to $400,000+)
• Endodontists: $250,000 to $320,000 (range $180,000 to $450,000+)
• Periodontists: $230,000 to $300,000 (range $160,000 to $400,000+)
• Prosthodontists: $200,000 to $280,000 (range $150,000 to $380,000+)

What PA City You Work In Matters

Pick your city wisely, because it changes everything. Patients, costs, and competition matter.

Major Cities: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh

Philadelphia:

• 10–15% higher pay than state average
• Range: $140,000 to $450,000+
• Big patient base, university hospitals—means more chances, but also more costs and competition

Pittsburgh:

• 5–10% above state average
• Range: $130,000 to $400,000+
• Steady healthcare jobs, good pay, but established practices are harder to break into

Mid-Sized Cities: Allentown, Harrisburg, Erie, Lancaster, Scranton

• Pay can be strong with a balanced life and lower living costs
• You can grow fast if you stand out

Rural and Small Towns

• Usually 5–15% less than state average at first
• But you might get government loan help and people stick with you for years
• You might be the only dentist for miles—big responsibility, big chance

What Drives Dentist Income in PA

Your pay is a mix of your skills, how you run your business, and what your town is like.

Practice Owner or Associate Dentist

Associate Dentist:

• Paid % of what you make (usually 25–35%), sometimes with a safe base pay
• No business worries, but less say in how things run

Practice Owner:

• You keep profits after bills
• More money possible, but more stress—managing rent, supplies, staff

Type of Practice

• Private Practice (Solo/Group): More control, pay depends on how you run things.
• Corporate (DSO): Predictable pay, benefits, easy if you just want to do dentistry
• Public Health/FQHCs: Stable, loan help, pay is lower but you help those in need
• Government/VA: Safe hours, solid benefits, less bonus pay

Patient Volume and Procedures

• More patients means more pay—but only if you’re smart about time
• Adding things like root canals, implants, or clear aligners grows your income
• Good team helps your day go smooth and your pay go up

Education, Certifications, Skills

• Special training can mean more pay
• Learning skills like IV sedation or implants helps you earn more even as a general dentist
• Communicating clearly helps more patients say “yes”

Compensation Models in PA

• Some dentists are paid just a salary—safe but no big raises
• Most are paid a % of what they “produce” or collect—usually 25–35%
• Ask for all the details—what happens if a patient doesn’t pay? Who covers lab bills?

Economic Conditions and Insurance Payouts

• PPO and HMO rates decide what you get paid
• Fee-for-service means you set your prices, but you have to market yourself

Associate vs Practice Owner: What Changes Your Paycheck

• Owners pay all the bills but get to decide how things run
• Associates just do dentistry—the smart move when you start out
• Watch your costs and pick good suppliers, like a solid crown and bridge lab to keep your profits up

Is Dentistry a Good Career Choice in PA? Beyond the Paycheck

Money is important, but so is loving your job.

• Job demand is steady—more people need care as they age
• The cost of living in most PA towns is fair, so your money goes further
• New dentists have big loan debt, but pay can go up a lot in 5 years
• Work-life balance is good—you can choose set hours as an associate or rework your week as an owner
• Good dental schools in PA train you well for your first job

Bottom line—dentistry in PA is steady money, reliable jobs, and a chance to help people.

Step-by-Step: How to Boost Your Earning Potential Ethically

Want simple things to raise your pay? Try this roadmap:

• Get everything in writing (base pay, %, lab bills, bonuses)

• Learn new skills, like root canals, implants, or clear aligners. If you need a reliable partner for implants, try an implant dental laboratory.

• Put high-value procedures in good slots
• Make sure your team helps you run on time

• Use easy words and pictures to help patients understand and say “yes”

• Work with good labs, try digital impressions, or use a digital dental lab for faster, better work

• Say hi to local dentists, send them good updates, and be helpful

• Ask happy patients for reviews and show before-and-after photos (if allowed)

• Know the going rates—bring your numbers and training to the table

• Learn what it takes to buy or start a practice if you love running things

• Go to CE, join groups, and get mentorship from local dental societies

FAQs: Quick Answers About Pennsylvania Dentist Pay

How much does a dentist make a year in PA?

General: $180,000 to $220,000, with a range from $120,000 to $300,000+.

What’s the median salary?

Right around the average, in the high $100,000s to low $200,000s.

What’s entry-level pay?

Usually $130,000 to $160,000, but as low as $100,000 or as high as $180,000.

Owners vs. Associates—what’s the difference?

Owners keep after-expenses profits and can earn more, but have more work. Associates get 25–35% of what they produce, with less stress.

Which cities pay the most?

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh pay the best, but life costs more there too.

Can I do well in rural PA?

Yes. It might pay less at first, but costs are lower and you can build up a loyal base.

Specialist vs general dentist—big difference?

Yes. Specialists (like orthodontists and surgeons) usually make more.

Does your degree (DDS/DMD) change your pay?

No difference. Both train you the same.

Corporate vs private practice—which pays better?

Corporate is usually safer and pays more for new grads. Private practice pays best as you get better or own a piece.

Does your team’s pay affect your own?

Yes. Good assistants and managers make your day easier and can help you earn more.

What about government jobs?

Less pay, but strong benefits and steady hours.

Dental residency pay?

That’s more a stipend—real pay goes up when you finish.

What benefits do most get?

Health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and some money for education.

Is dentistry a good career in PA?

Most would say yes—steady money, job security, and you help people.

Real-World Costs and How They Touch Your Pay

You don’t earn money in a bubble. Your costs matter a lot. Here are big things that eat into your paycheck:

• Lab bills:

Pick good labs to skip fixes. For implants, work with an implant dental laboratory.

• Supplies:

Buy smart, don’t overspend, but don’t cheap out

• Tech:

Digital tools often save time and money. If you need fast, consistent results, try a digital dental lab.

Who Is This For?

• Dental students and pre-dentals in PA who want to see if the investment is worth it
• New grads trying to pick where to work
• Working dentists trying to earn more
• Associates weighing if practice ownership is for them
• Specialists building up referrals

You might prefer steady general dentistry in Lancaster, lots of surgeries in Philly, or mission work in a Scranton clinic. They all work—find what fits you.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• General dentist average: $180,000 to $220,000
• Entry-level dentist: $130,000 to $160,000
• Experienced: $200,000 to $280,000
• Specialist averages:
• Orthodontist: $280,000 to $350,000
• Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon: $350,000 to $550,000+
• Pediatric Dentist: $220,000 to $300,000
• Endodontist: $250,000 to $320,000
• Periodontist: $230,000 to $300,000
• Prosthodontist: $200,000 to $280,000
• Location:
• Philly: 10–15% above state average
• Pittsburgh: 5–10% above
• Rural/small towns: 5–15% below, but less costs

How Insurance and Economic Factors Tie Into Pay

• PPO plans:

Most common, usually lower pay per patient but busy days

• HMO plans:

Steady patients, but lower fees—need to be efficient

• Fee-for-service:

Higher pay per job, but you need to market the practice more

• Economy:

Basic care keeps steady. Fancy treatments go up or down when the economy changes

Data Sources You Can Trust

Good places for real numbers:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• Pennsylvania Dental Association
• Salary.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Payscale

Combine sources and look at your specific city and job.

Empowerment — Your Next Steps

Take charge of your career:

• Define your own success (steady workweek? High pay? Giving back?)
• Make a one-year plan (learn a new skill, fix office systems, build more connections)
• Keep track of your numbers
• Communicate well with staff and patients
• Keep learning through CE and mentorships

Your Healthy Takeaway

• Most general dentists in PA bring home about $180,000 to $220,000
• New grads start around $130,000 to $160,000, experienced dentists can go over $300,000
• Specialists earn more
• Where you live matters—a city can mean more money, but also more costs
• Owning a practice gives you the biggest raise if you manage well
• Learning new treatments and improving your office helps you earn more without longer days

If you’re choosing between jobs or planning a move, write down your goals and must-haves. Compare two or three choices. Ask good questions about how you’ll get paid, costs, and support. Then pick what fits your life best.

Notes

• Numbers here come from 2024 estimates, trusted sources like BLS, ADA, Salary.com, Indeed, and industry reports. Real pay depends on your experience, city, and job type.
• For local info, check with the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
• Students: use resources at the University of Pennsylvania, Pitt, or Temple dental schools for in-state advice.

Glossary

• PPO: Popular insurance where you pick from a dentist list, fees set by insurance
• HMO: Insurance plan with a tight network, lower fees
• Fee-for-service: Patients pay you directly, you set the price
• Production: The total value of work you do
• Collections: What the office actually takes in after insurance/patient pay

If you want to know more about how dental labs can help your office, check out crown and bridge lab, implant dental laboratory, or digital dental lab. These can help you improve how your practice runs and how much you can take home.