January 9, 2025

The 2025 Dental Salary Survey Report, conducted by DentalPost in partnership with Endeavor Business Media, provides actionable insights to help dental practice owners attract and retain top talent, improve team satisfaction, and ensure practice growth.

Below, we break down the report's findings and their implications for private dental practices in 2025.

1. Dentist Income Trends: What It Means for Your Practice

• Owner Dentists: General dentists who own or partner in private practices reported a mean income of $300,273, reflecting a 3.72% increase from last year.
  
  
• Associate Dentists: Employed general dentists saw a significant income rise, with the average income reaching $217,867 – an 11.27% increase year over year.
  
  
• Specialists: Dental specialists (owners and associates combined) reported a mean income of $515,722, a 51.59% increase from 2022.
  
  

However, compensation dissatisfaction is growing among associate dentists, with 29.83% expressing dissatisfaction compared to just 4.8% in 2022. Career advancement and competitive pay are key factors driving 28.21% of associates to change jobs.

How to Apply This in Your Practice:

• Offer competitive compensation packages and clearly communicate growth opportunities for associates.
  
  
• Implement mentorship programs or introduce performance-based bonuses to keep associate dentists motivated and loyal to your practice.
  
  
• Review salary structures annually to ensure they align with market trends.

2. Hygienists and Assistants: Retaining Critical Team Members

Hygienists

• Average annual income for full-time hygienists rose to $79,340 (a 7.57% increase).
  
  
• The highest regional salaries were reported in the Pacific states ($99,388), highlighting geographical disparities.
  
  
• Job turnover remains a challenge, with 19.35% of hygienists changing roles in the last year for relocation, better pay, or improved work environments.
  
  

Dental Assistants

• Dental assistants earned an average of $44,295 annually, with hourly wages averaging $25.22.
  
  
• Turnover is significant, with 24.72% changing jobs in search of a better work environment, higher pay, or more appreciation.
  
  

How to Apply This in Your Practice:

• Conduct regular wage reviews to ensure your salaries remain competitive, especially for hygienists and assistants.
  
  
• Invest in team-building initiatives to foster a positive workplace culture that promotes appreciation and reduces turnover.
  
  
• Offer flexible schedules or PTO to improve retention and job satisfaction among critical staff members.

3. Front-Office and Practice Managers: Investing in Patient Experience

Practice Managers

• Practice managers experienced a 13.02% increase in average annual income to $76,279.
  
  
• Hourly wages jumped by 16.4% to $34.21.
  
  
• Despite rising pay, 24.4% expressed dissatisfaction with their compensation.
  
  

Front-Office Staff

• Front-office employees reported an average annual income of $42,416, though their job satisfaction declined due to fewer work hours and stagnant overall pay.
  
  
• High turnover persists, with 17.65% changing roles for higher income or better work conditions.
  
  

How to Apply This in Your Practice:

• Train your front-office team to improve patient experience and satisfaction, ensuring they feel integral to practice success.
  
  
• Implement incentives such as performance bonuses to retain high-performing managers and front-office staff.
  
  
• Conduct stay interviews to identify what your administrative team needs to feel valued and supported.

Employee benefits have become a critical differentiator for dental practices:

• Top Provided Benefits: Paid vacation, dental insurance, paid holidays, and retirement plans (401k).
  
  
• Most Desired Benefits: Paid time off and medical benefits were the most requested by those without them.
  
  
• 89% of respondents reported receiving benefits in 2023, up from 70% in 2022.
  
  

How to Apply This in Your Practice:

• Evaluate and enhance your benefits package to include PTO, medical insurance, and retirement options.
  
  
• Highlight your benefits during recruitment to position your practice as an employer.
  
  
• Explore group plans for cost-effective insurance options that still provide competitive coverage.

• 45% of respondents are considering changing jobs in 2024, primarily for higher pay and career advancement.
  
  
• Retirement looms large, with 12% of respondents planning to retire in the next three years.
  
  

How to Apply This in Your Practice:

• Focus on proactive retention strategies, including regular check-ins, professional development opportunities, and clear pathways for career growth.
  
  
• Prepare for retirements by developing succession plans and training key team members to step into leadership roles.
  
  
• Use stay interviews to understand employee concerns before they escalate into turnover.
  
  

Building a Resilient and Thriving Private Practice

The 2024 Dental Salary Survey Report provides key insights for private practice owners to attract, retain, and motivate a strong dental team. Competitive salaries, robust benefits, and a focus on workplace satisfaction are no longer optional, they are critical to building a resilient and thriving practice in 2025.

By leveraging these findings, private practice owners can reduce turnover, improve team morale, and position themselves as leading employers in an increasingly competitive dental landscape.

Invest in your team through competitive pay, clear growth opportunities, and meaningful benefits to ensure long-term success for your practice.

Not sure where to start? Contact us today!

References

DentalPost, 2025 Dental Salary Survey Report, https://www.dentalpost.net/.