Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Doctoral or professional degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
General dentists focus on providing oral health care and are supported by solid national labor-market indicators. With national employment of 130,000 and a projected employment growth rate of 4.1%, this field offers a combination of established demand and forward-looking opportunity. The national median annual salary of $172,790 highlights strong earning potential for those who complete the required preparation. Annual openings of 4,000 suggest a recurring stream of opportunities for new graduates, career changers from related fields, and experienced dentists seeking new positions. The role draws on a blend of fine motor ability, attention to detail, problem solving and decision making, customer service, and interpersonal skills, making it suitable for people who enjoy both technical work and close interaction with patients. For those exploring alternatives, related career paths include dentists in other specialties, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, ophthalmologists (except pediatric), and orthopedic surgeons (except pediatric).
General dentists benefit from a high national median annual salary of $172,790, indicating strong earning potential after completing the required professional education. Salaries vary by location, with several states and metros standing out. Among states, median salaries range from $165,950 in California to $183,060 in New York and $181,600 in Massachusetts. In top metros, median pay can be even higher, reaching $207,910 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and $202,060 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro also offers a median salary of $190,010, while the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro reports $184,540. These differences show how local markets can influence pay levels, giving dentists flexibility to target regions that align with their financial goals, cost of living considerations, and lifestyle preferences.
The employment outlook for general dentists is supported by several positive indicators. National employment stands at 130,000, and projected employment growth of 4.1% suggests that the field is expected to expand over the forecast period. Annual openings of 4,000 point to a steady flow of job opportunities driven by new positions as well as turnover. This combination can be attractive for students planning their education path and for professionals considering a career shift into dentistry. The same 4.1% projected growth rate appears across top states and metro areas listed, indicating consistent expectations in those highlighted regions. While actual job prospects will vary by location and employer, the overall numbers show a profession with both a sizable existing workforce and room for additional entrants. For those comparing healthcare options, similar occupations such as other dental specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, ophthalmologists (except pediatric), and orthopedic surgeons (except pediatric) provide additional avenues to explore.
Location can play a major role in shaping opportunity for general dentists, and the data highlight several strong options. Among states, California, Massachusetts, and New York have the highest CareerGPS opportunity scores, at 67.38, 65.87, and 65.78 respectively. New York reports a median salary of $183,060 with employment of 7,340, while Massachusetts offers $181,600 at 2,780 employed. California combines the largest listed employment level, 16,770, with a median salary of $165,950. Colorado and Washington also appear as notable choices, each with opportunity scores above 56 and median salaries above $166,000. Top metro areas show even more variation. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $207,910, while the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro closely follows with a score of 77.27 and $190,010 median pay. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also stand out for their combination of salary, employment, and growth.
Becoming a general dentist typically requires a doctoral or professional degree. This advanced education signals a significant commitment of time and effort, but it also prepares graduates for a highly skilled clinical role with strong earning potential. The career draws on a diverse mix of abilities, so prospective dentists should consider how well their strengths align with the top skills associated with the field. Fine motor skills and being detail oriented support the precision required in clinical work. Problem solving and decision making, critical and analytical thinking, and science skills reflect the need to evaluate information and choose appropriate courses of action. Customer service, interpersonal skills, leadership, and adaptability are also important for working effectively with patients and colleagues and for managing the day-to-day demands of practice. Together, the education level and skill profile suggest that the role suits individuals ready for rigorous training and ongoing professional development.
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