Is Being a Dentist Worth It?

For many people, dentistry seems like an amazing career. It pays well, offers job stability, and allows them to help people improve their health.

But what most people don’t realize is the amount of time, money, and effort it takes to become a dentist. The years of schooling, student loan debt, and stress of running a practice can make some wonder if the profession is really worth it.

I spent years working full-time as a periodontist, believing it was the best path to financial security and a good life. But over time, my perspective changed.

A wrist injury forced me to rethink my future, and I started looking for other ways to earn money that didn’t rely on me treating patients every day. That journey led me to real estate investing, which eventually gave me the freedom to work on my own terms.

So, is becoming a dentist the right choice? That depends on your goals, your willingness to take on debt, and whether you have a plan beyond just working in a practice.

In this article, we’ll break down the financial side of dentistry, the lifestyle it provides, and whether it’s the best career path for you.

---

---

The Path to Becoming a Dentist

Education and Training

Becoming a dentist takes years of education and training. First, you need a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years. After that, you have to pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and get accepted into dental school, which takes another four years.

Some dentists choose to specialize in fields like orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, or maxillofacial surgery, which requires even more years of training in a residency program. I chose periodontics (3 years) after completing a General Practice Residency at the Biloxi, MS VA Hospital.

Dental education is expensive, especially for students attending private schools, where tuition rates are often higher than public institutions. Many prospective students take out private student loans or federal loans to finance their education.

The Cost of Dental School

One of the biggest challenges of becoming a dentist is the cost. Dental school tuition is expensive, and most students take out loans to pay for it. On average, a dentist graduates with over $300,000 in dental school loans. Private dental schools can be even more expensive, and high interest rates make paying back the loans even harder.

Many new dentists start their careers with large monthly loan payments, which can make it difficult to build wealth or enjoy financial freedom early on.

Unlike some careers where you can start earning money right after college, dentists spend years in school without making much income. This can be a major downside for those looking to build wealth quickly.

Licensing and Getting Started

After graduating from dental school, new dentists must pass licensing exams before they can start working. The process varies by state, but most dentists take the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) and complete a clinical exam.

The American Dental Association (ADA) oversees many of these licensing processes to ensure that dental school graduates meet the necessary standards.

Once licensed, dentists can either work as associates in an existing practice, join a corporate dental office, or start their own practice. Those who choose to open a practice become their own boss but also take on the financial risks of business ownership.

Career Paths in Dentistry

General Dentistry vs. Specialties

Most dentists work in general dentistry, providing routine care like cleanings, fillings, and preventative care. Others choose to specialize in fields such as:

• Pediatric Dentistry – Focuses on treating children

• Orthodontics – Specializes in braces and teeth alignment

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Handles complex surgeries involving the face and jaw

• Endodontics – Specializes in root canal therapy

• Periodontics – Treats gum disease and places dental implants

• Maxillofacial Radiology and Pathology – Diagnoses oral diseases through imaging

Specialists generally earn higher salaries but must complete additional years of training and take on more debt.

Working as an Associate Dentist

Many new dentists start as associates, working for an established practice or a corporate dental office. This allows them to gain experience, earn a steady income, and avoid the stress of managing a business.

Associate dentists typically earn a salary or a percentage of the revenue they generate. While this provides financial stability, there are limitations on earning potential since the practice owner takes a portion of the profits.

Owning a Private Practice

Owning a dental practice can be one of the most financially rewarding paths in dentistry. Dentists who own their own offices have full control over patient care, office policies, and profits.

However, running a business comes with added stress. Practice owners must manage employees, handle insurance companies, and cover expenses like rent, equipment, and marketing. Many dentists take out additional loans to start a practice, adding to their financial burden.

Career Paths in Dentistry

Career Path	Key Benefits	Considerations
Associate Dentist	Steady income, no business management responsibilities	Limited earning potential, practice owner takes a portion of profits
Owning a Private Practice	Full control over patient care, policies, and profits	High startup costs, management responsibilities, handling insurance & staff
Corporate Dentistry	Stable income, benefits, no business management stress	Less control over treatment decisions, may feel restrictive for some
Specializing	Higher earning potential, work on complex cases	Additional years of education, more student loan debt
Public Health/Academia	Job security, benefits, opportunity to serve communities	Lower salaries compared to private practice, less autonomy

Financial Realities of Dentistry

Income Potential

Dentists earn a good income, but how much they make depends on their career path. A general dentist typically earns between $200,000 and $300,000 per year, while specialists like orthodontists and oral surgeons can earn between $350,000 and $600,000.

Dentists who own successful private practices often make even more, sometimes exceeding $500,000 annually, but they also take on more financial risk.

Debt and Expenses

Many new dentists start their careers with a heavy debt load. In addition to student loans, running a practice comes with costs like rent, equipment, and staff salaries. Some dentists take years or even decades to pay off their loans, which affects their ability to save and invest. Interest rates on dental school loans can be high, making repayment even more challenging.

Building Wealth Beyond Dentistry

Because dentistry requires hands-on work, many dentists look for ways to earn passive income. Investing in real estate, stocks, or other businesses can help dentists build wealth and create financial security. Some choose to scale back their work hours once they have enough investment income to cover their expenses.

Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest reasons dentists rethink their careers is the demanding nature of the job. Long hours, physical strain, and the stress of managing a practice can take a toll. Some dentists reduce their work hours or shift to part-time roles to improve their quality of life.

Dentists also play a major role in disease control and preventative care, educating patients on oral hygiene and treating oral diseases before they become more serious health issues. While the profession is in high demand and offers career opportunities, the work can be physically and mentally draining.

Final Thoughts

Dentistry can be a rewarding career, but it’s not for everyone. It offers high earning potential, job stability, and the ability to help others. However, the financial burden, stress, and physical demands make it important to consider other ways to build income. Dentists who plan ahead, manage their debt wisely, and invest in other income streams have the best chance of enjoying financial freedom and a balanced lifestyle.