What??? Salaries......

[IrightI]

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I am in the process of my undergrad work, and have performed light research in the field of dentistry. I have read a little bit of everything posted here except quoted from Princeton Review. I don't know how accurate the information is; however, I understand Princeton Review to be a worthy source. Well are you ready for the details??? Here goes nothing:
😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱

# of people in profession: 164,000
Average hours per week: 50
Average starting salary: $50,000
Average salary after 5 years: $80,000
Average salary after 10 to 15 years: $122,000


I hope those figures were a bunch of numerical b.s.

Would appreiciate a respective amount of replies regarding this post...http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/careers.asp?MajorID=223

 

[DesiDentist]

Those numbers are bull.

There are dentists who make 50 g's a year but they work 1-2 days. you will make close to 50 g's in a GPR. I would say the ave entering dentist is making around 85-100,000 depending upon the location. After 5 years, both mark at Temple and UW told me an ave dentist is making 189,000 a year.

DesiDentist

 

[jtremend]

the most reliable source for me is not some guy at a school who told you what they think they know, but rather real statistics.

the following is from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics for Occupational Employment Statistics:

Percentile: 10% 25% 50% (median)
Hourly Wage: $24.08 $38.53 $61.95
Annual Wage: $50,090 $80,130 $128,860

and

Mean hourly wage $53.27
Mean annual wage $110,790

the website: http://www.bls.gov/oes/2001/oes291020.htm

so the "average" or mean for a dentist is $110,790 in 2001.
that figure takes in account people recently out of school making 50-80K and also includes your "friend of a friend that you once knew who plays golf every day and still makes millions a year."

 

[acrunner]

jtremend,
i'm with you. you found a good source with the d of l. i posted some actual numbers from folks looking to hire on the other thread pertaining to this topic. seems to be very variable with respect to location, hours willing to work, experience, comittment, etc. i think to say that the ave is a clear cut 189k would be tough.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Those government stats are still way off. The most reliable source would probably be the ADEA or the ADA. That $110k is still about 20k short of the average, as reported by those associations.

Check into how the government gets their stats, and I think you'll be surprised.

 

[groundhog]

Statistics.???? Everyone knows how the partisan politicians can use the same broad statistical study to support positions that are 180 degrees opposite of each other. In order to test Desi's statement we would need a study seeking the current average mean salary of dentists who are graduates of a USA dental school (excluding the international trained dentist program graduates), work at least 40 hours per week, and have begun at least their 6th year of continuous private practice in the USA. When we get that statistic I believe we would be better able to derive an informed opinion regarding Desi's statement

 

[DATMATT]

If the Dept. of Labor gets their stats from tax filings I would not consider it the most reliable. People who think they will be raking in 189,000 a year out of dental school are dreamers but it never hurt to dream.

Matt

 

[ljube_02]

I thought $189k was too little.

If you notice those ads that come off the links from "dental guide" on www.studentdoctor.net , you'll see many practice sales have their owners reporting $600k+ before taxes. So if you can buy that practice ($300k to pay), why shouldnt you make the same after a few years of practice?

 

[ljube_02]

On this forum, someone earlier said that this statistics is only for employees. Meaning if you're a dentist for a govt or you're an associate for someone, etc. But if you start your own practice, it is incorporated, so it's not included in statistics.

 

[acrunner]

One dentist i worked with for some time, now lives in Portland, OR. He is a GP with 5 years experience. Gross/month is around $12,000.
I'll post these numbers again for all those who never got a chance to see them. If you'll notice the lowest dollar value, well, that would be about where you would be right out of school. I've included various kinds of jobs below. Some are gov workers and others are teaching positions. All numbers are from the ADA webpage.


How Much Does a Dentist Earn?

In 1999, the average earnings for a general practitioner who owns his/her practice was $158,080; the average earnings for a dental specialist was $240,500
Average income of a dentist -- highest 5% of U.S. family income

Opportunities Available
Description: ARIZONA--Dentist
Also seeking Associate Dentists (compensation range of $75,000 to $95,000)
$85K - $120K based upon experience with full benefits including low cost housing.
Opportunities Available
Description: FLORIDA--DENTIST Rate of pay is $50.00 per hour

Opportunities Available
Description: FLORIDA--Escambia County (Pensacola) General Dentistry position with the Health Department. Career service with leave, insurance and benefits. Salary range: $66,546.00 to $166,615.00.
Opportunities Available
Description: FLORIDA--Assistant Professor, Periodontics. Provide didactic, clinical and research supervision for students in an academic program; perform research; and engage in service activities. Position requires DDS or DMD degree; one-year experience with publication record in peer evaluated journals and record of presentations. Minimum salary: $39,000.00.
Opportunities Available
Description: GEORGIA--Associate Position Available. Are you tired of managed care? Ready to make a living? Atlanta, Sandy Springs, M-Th, $200K plus /yr. Digital and paperless. New equipment, five star products.
GEORGIA--Associate Dentists. Exciting opportunity available in Atlanta area for motivated professionals committed to clinical excellence. Starting base income $10-14K/month with superior benefits package.
ILLINOIS--DENTIST Practice Opportunity. Vienna Correctional Center in Vienna, IL and Wexford Health Sources is seeking a Dentist to cover 30-hours a week at the Prison

 

[Chelly180]

i dont know abou the rest of you, but personally, i would be perfectly happy just to have an actual income. Sure, making the big bucks will come in handy when trying to payoff uncle sam, but take it from me, it is possible to live a comfortable life without being in the 6-figure range! With the exception of paying off your debts, is it really that important for us to be making that much money?

 

[type-s]

yes

 

[ktran02]

lol

 

[acrunner]

Chelly180 i agree somewhat. i will be on the lookout for a job where i can make the most possible while working the least. this will allow me to dedicate more time to serving the underprivileged in a free clinic setting.

 

[MidwestDental]

$150,000 is a good general guideline.

Directly out of school, $60-95K is accurate.

However, about 1/3 of G.P.'s make significantly more, $250K-$400K.
A friend of the family was making $300K a year at age 35 in the Philly area, but was working 70-80 hour weeks. She ultimately decided to scale back, with a corresponding loss of income.

To be a high earner you need:

1. An established practice with lots of clients
2. A good location without too much competition
3. An area with low overhead costs (cheaper rent and salaries)
4. A sociable, likable personality
5. A good business sense and skill in running your practice efficiently

You can make a lot of money as a dentist, do not worry. However, most people choose to scale back later on, as they prefer a less hectic lifestyle.

 

[noodle]

You said it right at the end of your statement. Dentist have the ability to create a lifestyle and have control. Also, when you come out into practice make sure you interview and take a position in a quality practice where you learn good habits that you can incorporate into your own practice. Be concerned more with practice philosophy and not generating income. Quality and trust will create reputation which will breed success! Do procedures that you enjoy and love. Dentist work by appointment so they can work as much or as little as they want. Do not create iatrogenic disease or problems. Problem solve and create solutions. You will all be successful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!