What was your first-year (starting) salary right out of dental school?

[agent2362]

I'm in the military (army) about $85- 90 k year (about 20k of that untaxed). Army covered $360k+ of UoP loans and I owe them three years payback. So actually I am making 85K/ yr + $120k of loan repayment per year...I am not complaining. I am dead sure I will one of the first in my class to have paid off all my loans.

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[Silent Cool]

I'm in the military (army) about $85- 90 k year (about 20k of that untaxed). Army covered $360k+ of UoP loans and I owe them three years payback. So actually I am making 85K/ yr + $120k of loan repayment per year...I am not complaining. I am dead sure I will one of the first in my class to have paid off all my loans.

Agent,
What kind of $$ are your colleagues from dental school earning out in the private practice market? Are they getting benefits, malpractice, etc..?

thanx

 

[agent2362]

Agent,
What kind of $$ are your colleagues from dental school earning out in the private practice market? Are they getting benefits, malpractice, etc..?

thanx

Honestly, I am not really sure what my colleagues are earning out in the private sector. About 1/3 did AEGD/ GPR/real specialty and the rest went into private practice. I would venture to guess that even the best are only make $160 k. The only advantages that private practice gives you over doing military service is potentially more freedom in the choice of procedures and the opportunity to take over someone else's practice sooner/ start your own business from scratch sooner. The military service allows me to pay off the loans incredibly quick, get faster and perfect my skills on someone else's time. Everyone wants to do fancy procedures (implant, ortho, crown lengthening, ect) but getting very good at the basics, the bread and butter of dentistry, also has its merits for the first couple of years. Plenty of dentists just doing the basics (operative, routine crown and bridge, anterior/premolar endo, removable dentures/RPD's) do fantastic. The best way IMO to be profitable in dentistry is to get really efficient at the bread and butter....remember, specialists do a very limited amount of procedures but make great salaries

 

[OhioDMD]

Everyone wants to do fancy procedures (implant, ortho, crown lengthening, ect) but getting very good at the basics, the bread and butter of dentistry, also has its merits for the first couple of years. Plenty of dentists just doing the basics (operative, routine crown and bridge, anterior/premolar endo, removable dentures/RPD's) do fantastic. The best way IMO to be profitable in dentistry is to get really efficient at the bread and butter....remember, specialists do a very limited amount of procedures but make great salaries

Amen! I practice in a small city, employ two hygienists, work 36 hrs. a week (no evenings or weekends), take 3 weeks vacation a year and net between $280 and $300,000 a year (Including the Great Recession of 2008 - 2011) and practice bread & butter dentistry.

 

[Ferneezy]

Amen! I practice in a small city, employ two hygienists, work 36 hrs. a week (no evenings or weekends), take 3 weeks vacation a year and net between $280 and $300,000 a year (Including the Great Recession of 2008 - 2011) and practice bread & butter dentistry.

please define "small". can you also give us an idea of the provider-to-population ratio in your area? how close are you to a major city in ohio, and which one?

 

[OhioDMD]

please define "small". can you also give us an idea of the provider-to-population ratio in your area? how close are you to a major city in ohio, and which one?

Small is 52718 (county population)(city 32000) , GD to population ratio is 1:2027, 50 miles from Columbus, 90 from Cleveland & Toledo. Some of my pratice stats; 2992 active patients (seen last 18 mos.) 50% of my practice revenue is preventive and diagnostic, 25% restorative, 8% removable prosth , 7% fixed prosth and all other areas (Surg, Cosmetic,Endo, & Implants) comprise less than 2% each.

 

[Silent Cool]

Small is 52718 (county population)(city 32000) , GD to population ratio is 1:2027, 50 miles from Columbus, 90 from Cleveland & Toledo. Some of my pratice stats; 2992 active patients (seen last 18 mos.) 50% of my practice revenue is preventive and diagnostic, 25% restorative, 8% removable prosth , 7% fixed prosth and all other areas (Surg, Cosmetic,Endo, & Implants) comprise less than 2% each.

Ohio,
Do you think the opportunity cost (and the literal cost!) of specializing is worth it? Seems that, with a practice like yours, the answer is no. Also, to what extent has corporate dentistry infiltrated your area?

Thanks,
sc

 

[OhioDMD]

Ohio,
Do you think the opportunity cost (and the literal cost!) of specializing is worth it? Seems that, with a practice like yours, the answer is no. Also, to what extent has corporate dentistry infiltrated your area?

Thanks,
sc

Is specializing worth it? The endodontist and oral surgeon in my town easily match and very probably double my offices daily production while treating a third of the patients I see daily. Their reimbursement level from insurance companies for similar procedures is higher. Specializing should put you on a quicker track to financial success once you start practicing.

In answering your second question. We have both Aspen and Comfort Dental.

 

[Ferneezy]

thanks for your insight, doc.

further, please tell us how long you've had that practice for (also if it's been your only professional experience in dentistry) and if it was a start-up or a buyout.

 

[OhioDMD]

thanks for your insight, doc.

further, please tell us how long you've had that practice for (also if it's been your only professional experience in dentistry) and if it was a start-up or a buyout.

I have been in practice 32 yrs and this is same practice I started from scratch when I graduated dental school in 1981. First ten years was in a strip mall setting primarily treating Medicaid with late afternoon , evening and Sat am appointments reserved for ffs and insurance. In 1991 I built a 3000 sq ft free standing building (mainly to control costs, my mortgage was less than the rent on a 2000 ft commercial space). Currently it has 5 ops, digital x-rays and pan for the last 4 yrs and has been computerized since 87 although we haven't made the commitment to go paperless yet even though the software has the capability.

 

[lwen5]

I have been in practice 32 yrs and this is same practice I started from scratch when I graduated dental school in 1981. First ten years was in a strip mall setting primarily treating Medicaid with late afternoon , evening and Sat am appointments reserved for ffs and insurance. In 1991 I built a 3000 sq ft free standing building (mainly to control costs, my mortgage was less than the rent on a 2000 ft commercial space). Currently it has 5 ops, digital x-rays and pan for the last 4 yrs and has been computerized since 87 although we haven't made the commitment to go paperless yet even though the software has the capability.

With chains popping up, and with the rise of implants, don't you think specialists will get hurt. Seems that most GPs will try to refer out as little as they can. Also does endo's future look gloomy with implants?

 

[wigglytooth]

With chains popping up, and with the rise of implants, don't you think specialists will get hurt. Seems that most GPs will try to refer out as little as they can. Also does endo's future look gloomy with implants?

The short answer: Implants are not bullet proof and some patients (and practitioners) will like to try to keep natural teeth.

 

[DAS]

I am a 2013 graduate. Currently I am working in private practice in VA, my first job offer is 90K + Bonus. I am in the process to join the military for the loan repayment and to specialize a few months down the line. If any pre-dent is reading this thread, my advise ... get the HPSP and make your life a little less stressful.

 

[Silent Cool]

I am a 2013 graduate. Currently I am working in private practice in VA, my first job offer is 90K + Bonus. I am in the process to join the military for the loan repayment and to specialize a few months down the line. If any pre-dent is reading this thread, my advise ... get the HPSP and make your life a little less stressful.

90K? What are your loans like?
thanx

 

[DAS]

90K? What are your loans like?
thanx

Loan (undergrad + dental) =247K.
I signed up with IBR until I join the military, my loan repayment is about $1100/month.

 

[Ar2]

Amen! I practice in a small city, employ two hygienists, work 36 hrs. a week (no evenings or weekends), take 3 weeks vacation a year and net between $280 and $300,000 a year (Including the Great Recession of 2008 - 2011) and practice bread & butter dentistry.

Just curious what your debt looked like after graduating from dental school... Anywhere near close to the 300K which seems to becoming the norm today?

I saw where you graduated back in '81. Just curious what the cost of a dental education was at that time.

 

[OhioDMD]

Just curious what your debt looked like after graduating from dental school... Anywhere near close to the 300K which seems to becoming the norm today?

I saw where you graduated back in '81. Just curious what the cost of a dental education was at that time.

No where near what it is today. If memory serves me correct my first year tuition, instruments and books was about 6000. I think my total educational debt was less than 20,000. However my first practice equipment lease and loan was at prime +2.0 which translated to 19% per year and an exam, fm X-rays and prophy was $60 or less.

 

[ShaheraB]

500k straight out of D-school. worked only 4 days a week.

500K what? Dollars or Dongs?

 

[dyesht]

Bump. Any new input?

 

[Pedodel]

I maid 285 k as a pediatric specialist newly graduated from residency. Doubled that in 4 years. Now owner of the practice making (13 years) ,,,, and seriously make 4 times that. Not bragging just being really honest.
Pick " where " you practice VERY carefully, and be really really good with people. If people really like you,,, you will do good.

 

[vellnueve]

$3700/month + allowances + 20K annual bonus.

Why the necro thread?

 

[dyesht]

$3700/month + allowances + 20K annual bonus.

Why the necro thread?

Why start another thread asking the same thing, isn't that what "bump" is for? Salaries have changed, and I and others would like to get updated.

 

[vellnueve]

Why start another thread asking the same thing, isn't that what "bump" is for? Salaries have changed, and I and others would like to get updated.

Salaries haven't changed much if at all in 4 years, other than adjustment for inflation.

 

[sportygirl]

I maid 285 k as a pediatric specialist newly graduated from residency. Doubled that in 4 years. Now owner of the practice making (13 years) ,,,, and seriously make 4 times that. Not bragging just being really honest.
Pick " where " you practice VERY carefully, and be really really good with people. If people really like you,,, you will do good.

Where do you practice?

 

[DDS360]

ADA 2015 report on specialty's average income. I am sure they are many different factors involved especially location, but on average numbers look good.

Table 3: Annual Net Income of Specialists in Private Practice, 2014

Type of Dentist Average

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons $413,410

Endodontists $325,840

Orthodontists and Dentofacial Orthopedists $301,760

Pediatric Dentists $347,310

Periodontists $257,960

Source: American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute, 2015 Survey of Dental Practice.

Copyright © 2015 American Dental Association.

 

[free99]

$3700/month + allowances + 20K annual bonus.

Why the necro thread?

Am I misunderstanding you, or do you make $64,000 a year?

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[vellnueve]

No, I make closer to $105K now after a few years working. Allowances vary by location but usually runs an extra 1750-2250 a month, nontaxable

(Navy)

 

[Screwtape]

No, I make closer to $105K now after a few years working. Allowances vary by location but usually runs an extra 1750-2250 a month, nontaxable

(Navy)

I feel like you should preface your salary with that piece of information. HPSP then ?

 

[vellnueve]

I figured the little Navy logo and signature line made it obvious.

 

[Screwtape]

I figured the little Navy logo and signature line made it obvious.

Lol my mistake, those don't show up on mobile. And it's possible that you'd be done with your service obligation and are out practicing in the private sector (but obviously that's not the case).

 

[vellnueve]

Lol my mistake, those don't show up on mobile. And it's possible that you'd be done with your service obligation and are out practicing in the private sector (but obviously that's not the case).

True but the thread IS titled first-year salary...

 

[Ukee]

Class of 2016 graduate here. I definitely used this thread when looking for jobs to see what other people were capable of getting for their first year out. I signed a contract back in March for a total of 170K base + bonuses based on production.

 

[dentalcpa90]

Class of 2016 graduate here. I definitely used this thread when looking for jobs to see what other people were capable of getting for their first year out. I signed a contract back in March for a total of 170K base + bonuses based on production.

Wow that is an amazing offer. May I ask where are you located and are you working for a corporate chain?

 

[Ukee]

Wow that is an amazing offer. May I ask where are you located and are you working for a corporate chain?

Yes corporate, so I'm expecting to work crazy hard once I start later this summer, and I'll be in semi-rural Wisconsin I know I definitely sacrificed location but I'm hoping the trade off will allow me to increase my skills and speed.

 

[suarez 7]

2016 grad. $145k, 1 hr from downtown of major city.

 

[baby.smiles]

Hi everyone, what a great thread! I know we had one person post about pedo..can anyone else who is a pediatric specialist share their starting salary and location? Would be really helpful! Thanks

 

[johnho771]

56k, gpr

 

[DDS360]

My brother graduated 5 years ago, and made 285K in his first year after graduating from endo school. He started residency right after his dental school so he was lucky getting into residency after dental school. He was offered 10K bonus as well for relocation to move to Phoenix.

 

[Screwtape]

Doubled or tripled? Lol thats not how the world/economics works.

Dentistry isn't like medicine where most people are employed by non-profit hospitals (that have bargaining power to raise reimbursement)

Dentists across the board tend to have ****tier financial situations than doctors because they're independent, and VERY exposed to market trends. The recession cut into profits, and because of fluoride, most people don't really get super bad decay anymore (vs a generation ago). People are going to dentists FAR less than they did just a generation ago.

Most owners dont even make double or triple what an associate makes (in fact, they at most only make ~30% more) - how do you expect someone to pay a dentist that and still stay in business?

You make it seem like a bad thing!

People are holding onto their teeth much longer these days which is a good thing for us.

Source for that statistic ? Seems WAY off to me. Ownership isn't worth 30% more...

 

[jd777]

bump

 

[DentistHeather]

bump

Right out of residency, I probably made ~50 k a year, but I only work 2.5 days a week. I make about 80k a year now (6 years later) also working 2.5 days a week. My husband is the primary bread winner.

 

[Puppylover22]

Right out of residency, I probably made ~50 k a year, but I only work 2.5 days a week. I make about 80k a year now (6 years later) also working 2.5 days a week. My husband is the primary bread winner.

Is that because of choice or have you had trouble finding a full time job?

 

[wengerout]

I maid 285 k as a pediatric specialist newly graduated from residency. Doubled that in 4 years. Now owner of the practice making (13 years) ,,,, and seriously make 4 times that. Not bragging just being really honest.
Pick " where " you practice VERY carefully, and be really really good with people. If people really like you,,, you will do good.

So you're making 7 figures in peds? Is this all solely from you or are you partnered with someone/have side investments/real estate income?

 

[CanaDMD]

So you're making 7 figures in peds? Is this all solely from you or are you partnered with someone/have side investments/real estate income?

Peds make a lot bro

 

[wengerout]

Peds make a lot bro

I know they make a lot but 7 figures?


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[CanaDMD]

I know they make a lot but 7 figures?


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It is possible

 

[comatose]

Yes peds make a lot. That's no secret, but look what they have to do on a daily basis. It's a nightmare job for most. I can't stand kids to begin with, but to have them awake and then drill in their mouth? Also you have to deal with the parents, which may be worse than dealing with the screaming kids. You couldn't pay me any amount of money to do their job. The only specialty that really is better than general is ortho hands down. Little to no stress.

 

[periopocket]

You can make 7 figures in any popular field of dentistry including GD

Remember, sky is the limit in private practice. Most associate Peds make around 250k - 300k, which is still very healthy. For the record, I think peds is the best specialty, I was very interested in pursuing.

 

[Medin2017]

Remember, sky is the limit in private practice. Most associate Peds make around 250k - 300k, which is still very healthy. For the record, I think peds is the best specialty, I was very interested in pursuing.

what made you not in the end? I've read that peds is starting to feel saturation now since ppl found out it was lucrative

 

[Medin2017]

Yes peds make a lot. That's no secret, but look what they have to do on a daily basis. It's a nightmare job for most. I can't stand kids to begin with, but to have them awake and then drill in their mouth? Also you have to deal with the parents, which may be worse than dealing with the screaming kids. You couldn't pay me any amount of money to do their job. The only specialty that really is better than general is ortho hands down. Little to no stress.

everyone forgets private practice omfs. Which is good I guess if it somewhat reduces competition in a sense