Private Practice Dentist Income: 2023 Data, Factors & Trends

ADA Health Policy Institute (2023 survey of 2022 data) reports:

Net Income (Before Tax)

Percentile	General Dentist	Specialist
25th	$145,000	$200,000
Median (50th)	$195,000	$285,000
75th	$275,000	$400,000
90th	$375,000	$550,000+

Specialists: Ortho, OMFS, Endo, Perio, Pedo, Prostho.

Key Income Drivers

• Ownership: Owner > associate (associates ~$130k–$180k).
• Geography: Rural/underserved > urban saturated; state tax differences.
• Procedure Mix: High-fee services (implants, full-mouth rehab, ortho, sedation) boost revenue.
• Efficiency: Chair utilization, hygiene production, delegation to EFDAs.
• Overhead: National avg 60–65% (rent, staff, lab, supplies, tech, marketing). Lower overhead = higher net.
• Insurance Mix: Fee-for-service > PPO > Medicaid/HMO.
• Experience: Income rises first 10–15 years, plateaus, may decline near retirement.

Additional Compensation

• Health insurance (often self-funded)
• Retirement: 401(k)/profit-sharing, cash balance plans (high earners)
• CE allowance, dues, malpractice paid
• Loan repayment (NHSC, state programs)

Trends

• DSO affiliation growing – guaranteed base + production bonus, less autonomy.
• Technology investment (CBCT, IOS, milling, 3D printing) → higher fees, lower lab costs.
• Membership plans (in-house discount) reducing PPO dependence.