Factors Influencing Salaries of the Highest Paid Dental Specialties

Some dental specialists earn up to 50% more than general dentists, and several key factors explain these substantial income differences:

Demand for Specialized Services

Market demand dramatically impacts earning potential. For example, oral and maxillofacial surgeons top the list thanks to high demand and a small pool of qualified practitioners. This combination results in job stability and premium compensation.

In that context, patient awareness of advanced dental procedures keeps growing, especially for aesthetic and reconstructive treatments, helping specialists attract more patients. For example, orthodontists have benefited from increased public interest in cosmetic improvements, contributing to their recognition as one of the top professions in 2025, according to Becker's Dental Review.

Education and Training Requirements

The extensive education required for the highest-paid dental specialties directly correlates with higher pay. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must complete:

• Four years of undergraduate study

• Four years of dental school

• Four to six years of residency training

• State licensure requirements

Some oral surgeons may also earn medical degrees alongside dental training, an investment of time and money that justifies their higher earnings. Similarly, pediatric dentists need two additional years of specialized residency beyond dental school and consequentially have higher earnings. 

Geographic Location and Salary Variations

Several regional factors influence these variations:

• Cost of living

• Regional competition

• Population density and patient demand

• Insurance reimbursement rates

• Local economic conditions

Urban centers typically offer higher pay but come with increased competition and higher operating costs, requiring better management in dental practices to maintain profitability compared to rural settings.

Experience and Reputation

Career longevity and professional reputation also impact earning potential. Satisfaction with compensation usually increases with experience, though recent economic pressures have complicated this trend. Building a strong patient base and professional network takes time but leads to increased referrals and income. 

Top 6 Highest-Paid Dental Specialties in 2025

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Average annual salary: $334,310

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform complex facial, jaw, and dental surgeries. They handle extractions, implants, reconstructions, and trauma cases. They also treat various pathologies of oral structures, serving patients with challenging maxillofacial conditions.

In addition to surgery, they collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, and other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans for patients.

Factors that contribute to their high earnings include: 

• Extensive education: Four years of dental school plus 4-6 years of residency

• The technically demanding nature of their procedures

• Limited supply of specialists (only about 4,160 employed in the United States according to BLS

• High risk associated with surgical procedures, requiring substantial malpractice insurance

• Ability to work in multiple settings—hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices

Periodontists

Average annual salary: $250,068

Periodontists treat gum disease, place implants, and perform regenerative procedures. They manage inflammation, bone loss, and tissue reconstruction while working collaboratively with referring dentists on complex periodontal cases.

Periodontists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to protect their gums.

Periodontists earn more due to their:

• Specialized training; three additional years beyond dental school

• The surgical nature of many periodontal procedures

• Growing demand for dental implants and related treatments

• The chronic nature of periodontal disease, creating ongoing patient relationships

• The technical precision required for microsurgical techniques

Pediatric Dentists (Pedodontists)

Average annual salary: $244,470

Pediatric dentists provide oral healthcare to children from infancy through adolescence. They perform preventive care, treat cavities, manage behavioral aspects, and handle dental emergencies tailored to young patients' needs.

Pediatric dentists often work closely with orthodontists and other specialists to monitor and correct early dental issues.

They earn more thanks to their:

• Specialized training: Two additional years of residency after dental school focused on pediatric care

• Limited supply of practitioners relative to the large population of children requiring dental care

• Expertise in behavior management and specialized treatment approaches for children

• Growing awareness among parents about the importance of early dental care

• Ability to perform procedures requiring sedation, which commands higher fees

• Potential for establishing lasting patient relationships that span childhood through adolescence

Orthodontists

Average annual salary: $243,620

Orthodontists diagnose and correct misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and retainers. They improve bite function and aesthetics by applying detailed knowledge of facial growth and development throughout extended treatment periods.

Orthodontists also monitor jaw growth in younger patients to ensure proper development and may collaborate with other dental professionals for more complex cases.

They earn more due to their:

• Four years of dental school plus 2-3 years of orthodontic residency

• High demand for aesthetic dental improvements

• Technology integration: Their field embraces advanced technologies like CBCT, 3D visualization, and 3D printing

• Recurring revenue model through long-term patient relationships

• Diverse practice models, including multi-location practices and aligners-only practices

Dental Anesthesiologists

Average annual salary: $239,200

Dental anesthesiologists administer sedation for dental procedures, serving anxious patients, those with special needs, and complex cases. They assess patients before treatment to determine the safest and best anesthesia plan, considering medical history, allergies, and anxiety levels.

They also monitor patient vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout treatment to manage any complications that arise.

Anesthesiologists have high earnings due to their:

• Extensive training: Four years of dental school plus three years of anesthesiology residency

• The critical nature of their role in patient safety

• Their relative scarcity in the dental profession

• High demand due to dental anxiety

• Ability to work across multiple practices or facilities

Prosthodontists

Average annual salary: $234,000

Prosthodontists restore and replace missing teeth with prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. They blend technical precision with artistry to create functional, aesthetic solutions for patients with complex dental needs.

They also often handle complex cases involving significant tooth loss, jaw issues, or facial trauma, working closely with other dental professionals to create personalized treatment plans.

The factors that contribute to their high earnings include:

• Specialized training: Three additional years after dental school

• The complex, technical nature of their procedures

• The high value of prosthetic treatments, commanding premium fees

• Growing demand for aesthetic and functional restorations

• Integration of digital technologies, enabling more precise and effective treatments

Improving Organization with The Right Staff

In 2025, the dental profession continues to offer lucrative opportunities, particularly within specialized fields. Factors influencing these elevated earnings include the complexity of procedures performed, the length of additional education, and the high demand for specialized dental services.​ Success in these specialties hinges on effective practice management and strategic staffing. A competent support team can increase profitability and patient satisfaction.​

Partnering with specialized staffing solutions like Teero can be a game-changer for dental professionals who want to increase their practice's efficacy and focus more on patient care.

Teero offers tailored staffing services designed to meet the unique needs of dental practices, so you have the right team in place to support your goals. Give us a call and discover how we can improve your operations and elevate your practice.