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Download the 2025 Dental Industry Salary Report ~ FREE

Download the 2025 Dental Industry Salary Report ~ FREE

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SS Report Highlights from Deb

DentalPost’s 2025 Dental Industry Salary Report, created in partnership with Dental Economics, RDH Magazine, and Endeavor Business Intelligence, is the most comprehensive resource for dental professionals. Conducted from October to November 2024, this fifth annual report provides critical insights into salaries, benefits, work hours, job turnover, retirement plans, and more for dentists, hygienists, assistants, and front-office staff.

The report reflects the perspectives of over 3,500 dental professionals nationwide, from seasoned experts with 30+ years of experience (28.1%) to newcomers with less than 10 years in the field (22%). Respondents represent all 50 states, working in diverse environments. Most (83.6%) are in general dentistry, while others are in specialized or multidisciplinary practices. Private practices dominate (78.2%), followed by corporate settings (11.9%), with the rest in academic, military, public health, or mixed roles.

If you’re serious about understanding the current dental landscape, this report is your go-to guide. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead—get the data that matters.

Top Takeaways

  • Dental team members were on the move in 2024 but, with the exception of front office associates, movement trended downward or stayed static with the prior year.
  • The percentages of associate dentists, practice managers, and front-office associates seeking new jobs in 2025 have increased over the percentages seeking in 2024.
  • In 2022, 2023, and 2024, more dental professionals were applying for jobs than accepted.

The Big Picture

The labor shortage, worsened by the pandemic, forced employers to compete fiercely for dental professionals. Workers, recognizing new opportunities, began seeking better roles. Some discovered the grass wasn’t greener elsewhere, while others engaged in open conversations with their employers. In response, many employers boosted pay and improved working conditions to retain top talent.

Associate Dentists Were The Most Mobile In 2024

Among dental professionals, associate dentists were the most mobile in 2024 (29%) and planning to be the most mobile in 2025 (46.6%). In 2024, they were seeking a better work environment, higher pay, and better hours but in 2025, 71% are seeking higher pay, followed by a better work environment, better benefits, career advancement, and better location.

Although the opportunity to earn more (higher income) is by far the greatest incentive to make a move in 2025, job-seeking associates are putting significant weight on the other listed incentives as they make stay-or-go decisions.

Their satisfaction with income and benefits increased 3.7% in 2024 after dropping 13% in 2023. Nearly 45% reported they are satisfied or very satisfied with their compensation. The 46.6% who are job seekers in 2025 are likely in the less-than satisfied category.

Dental Hygienists Are More Satisfied Than Others

One in five (20.5%) dental hygienists changed employment in 2024, but only 11.8% plan to apply to open positions in 2025, citing higher pay, a better work environment, and better benefits as their top motivators in 2024 and 2025. Satisfaction with their total compensation remained constant from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024, with 50% responding “satisfied” or “very satisfied.”

Dental Assistant Turnover Remained Static

Similar to the prior year, 23% of responding dental assistants made the jump to a different employer in 2025. Top motivations were a better work environment, higher pay, and a more appreciative employer. Looking ahead, 30.1% plan to apply for job openings in 2025. Their priority motivators for 2025 are in this order: higher pay, a better work environment, and better benefits. Satisfaction with their total compensation rose 3% in 2024 after falling 10% in 2023, but only 33.3% are satisfied or very satisfied.

Dental Practice Managers Change Jobs Least

Since 2022, less than 9% of dental office managers have changed employment. Although a low 8% of practice managers changed jobs in 2024, a large 46.6% of this year’s survey respondents plan to apply for new jobs in 2025.

In 2024, the top motivators for job changes were career advancement followed by a better location, a better work environment, and higher pay. Job-seeking practice managers in 2025 are prioritizing higher pay, followed by better benefits, and a better work environment.

Satisfaction with compensation has been dropping over the last three years, down 15.5% since 2022. In this latest survey, 42.6% were satisfied or very satisfied with their 2024 income and benefits.

Front-Office Associates Were The Second Most Mobile

In 2024, 29.7% of front-office associates changed employers. Their primary motivations were a better work environment, more appreciation, and better hours. In 2025, 28% of front-office associates plan to apply for job openings and their top motivations have changed. In 2025, they are on the hunt for higher pay (78%), followed by better benefits and better hours.

Compensation satisfaction was up 9.5% in 2024 after dropping 12% in 2023. Nearly 38% were satisfied or very satisfied in 2024.

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Top Motivators for Changing Employers in 2025
Associate DentistHigher Pay (71%), Better Environment, Better Benefits, Career Advancement, Better Location
Dental HygienistHigher Pay, Better Environment, Better Benefits
Dental AssistantHigher Pay, Better Environment, Better Benefits
Dental Practice ManagerHigher Pay, Better Benefits, Better Environment
FO AssociatesHigher Pay (78%), Better Benefits, Better Environment

Were 2024’s Job Jumpers Happy With Their Decision?

With the exception of dental practice managers, more than 74% of dental professionals who made the leap from one job to another in 2024 achieved their goals in doing so:

  • 76.5% of associate dentists
  • 78.3% of dental hygienists
  • 74.1% of dental assistants
  • 60.9% of practice managers
  • 75% of front-office associates

A significant number of professionals feel their expectations aren’t being met. At DentalPost, we provide powerful tools and resources to help job seekers and employers find their perfect match. Ready to take the next step? Explore our resources here: DentalPost | Resources.

Curious about how your salary, hourly rate, and benefits stack up? Download DentalPost’s Annual Salary Survey Full Report today for the insights you need!

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