What does an associate dentist really make?

[Ohsnap23]

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Yeah dentistry isn't all about the money, but when taking into account debt (between 300-330k) it is a viable question. So what is the real amount an associate dentist can make/maximize? Do not include saturated areas such as NYC or California. Curious to know, as I see numbers ranging from 110k-150k and that's a BIG difference. Thank you!

 

[DareForest]

I think it depends on location. In Canada it's around $100-140k.

 

[byahnoob]

Depends on location and opportunity.
Honestly can range from $80,000 to $300,000

It really depends. It's never set in stone

 

[GoDental101]

Yeah dentistry isn't all about the money, but when taking into account debt (between 300-330k) it is a viable question. So what is the real amount an associate dentist can make/maximize? Do not include saturated areas such as NYC or California. Curious to know, as I see numbers ranging from 110k-150k and that's a BIG difference. Thank you!

If you want to maximize your earning potential you should be aiming for practice ownership. As an associate someone else is making money off of you and you will probably make between 90-120k. Higher paying associates are around 160k, but they will be working you extremely hard in order to still significantly profit off your efforts. Practice ownership will greatly increase that number.

TLDR make your education worth it and become a practice owner.

 

[tigermidoriya]

If you want to maximize your earning potential you should be aiming for practice ownership. As an associate someone else is making money off of you and you will probably make between 90-120k. Higher paying associates are around 160k, but they will be working you extremely hard in order to still significantly profit off your efforts. Practice ownership will greatly increase that number.

TLDR make your education worth it and become a practice owner.

Is it recommended to pursue private practice ownership right out of school? If not, how long should one work for as an associate before attempting to own a practice? Thanks!

 

[Wingie]

Yeah dentistry isn't all about the money, but when taking into account debt (between 300-330k) it is a viable question. So what is the real amount an associate dentist can make/maximize? Do not include saturated areas such as NYC or California. Curious to know, as I see numbers ranging from 110k-150k and that's a BIG difference. Thank you!

$120,000 = median annual net income, general practitioners in private practice, limited to dentists with dental school graduation years 2014-2016. Among this group of dentists, half earned between $90,000 and $155,000 annually.

Source: 2018 Survey of Dental Practice.

 

[GoDental101]

Is it recommended to pursue private practice ownership right out of school? If not, how long should one work for as an associate before attempting to own a practice? Thanks!

The large corporate companies are going to recommend that you do not go straight into private practice ownership (for their benefit). However, I’ve know a lot of recent grads who went straight into ownership after about 6 months of post graduation associateship. None of them regretted that decision. Most corporate contracts are 1-2 years from what I know. Personally, I’d rather do a GPR then associate for about 6 months while looking to buy a practice. It is less money in the short term, but it will pay off long term for more reasons than just financial.

 

[Likkriue]

Peanuts

 

[deleted942432]

Peanuts

Roasted or plain peanuts?

 

[BBDentist3]

Or boiled??

 

[tigermidoriya]

The large corporate companies are going to recommend that you do not go straight into private practice ownership (for their benefit). However, I’ve know a lot of recent grads who went straight into ownership after about 6 months of post graduation associateship. None of them regretted that decision. Most corporate contracts are 1-2 years from what I know. Personally, I’d rather do a GPR then associate for about 6 months while looking to buy a practice. It is less money in the short term, but it will pay off long term for more reasons than just financial.

Thank you for the reply!

 

[Pablo Sanchez]

Recent Graduate--Ask me Anything

This is a great thread that might provide you some insight. Just know this is a limited sample size, and experiences vary for everyone based upon their knowledge, skill set, business acumen, and willingness to move somewhere new for work.

 

[wetvet]

Yeah dentistry isn't all about the money, but when taking into account debt (between 300-330k) it is a viable question. So what is the real amount an associate dentist can make/maximize? Do not include saturated areas such as NYC or California. Curious to know, as I see numbers ranging from 110k-150k and that's a BIG difference. Thank you!

Can depend on
How many chairs- Treatment ares do you have ?
One dentist may say “We try to do $5,000. Worth of business a week due to the number of chairs we have.”
Another dentist may say “ We see between 70-100 patients a day here.” Because he has a large staff and he sent his Tech off to school to learn something that can be done in-house and not sent out.
There are 2 dentist offices within 1 mile of each near us.
Office A has 3 Dentist working 7-7, M-F, Sat 8-2. Accepts All insurances.
Office B has 2 Dentist working 8-5, M-Th, Fri 8-2. Closed on Saturday. Accepts only certain insurance companies.
Office A has a large debt it has to pay off. It’s a new building.
Office B has less overhead, smaller staff, established practice.
So Your income maybe based on are you trying to pay for a new building, equipment etc.

 

[wetvet]

Can depend on
How many chairs- Treatment ares do you have ?
One dentist may say “We try to do $5,000. Worth of business a week due to the number of chairs we have.”
Another dentist may say “ We see between 70-100 patients a day here.” Because he has a large staff and he sent his Tech off to school to learn something that can be done in-house and not sent out.
There are 2 dentist offices within 1 mile of each near us.
Office A has 3 Dentist working 7-7, M-F, Sat 8-2. Accepts All insurances.
Office B has 2 Dentist working 8-5, M-Th, Fri 8-2. Closed on Saturday. Accepts only certain insurance companies.
Office A has a large debt it has to pay off. It’s a new building.
Office B has less overhead, smaller staff, established practice.
So Your income maybe based on are you trying to pay for a new building, equipment etc.

So Your Business Plan May determine your income.
A: I am going to make less of a salary and pay off my debt sooner or
B: I am going to make a higher salary and extend my debt.