Cosmetic Dentist Salary
Cosmetic dentistry has advanced significantly in recent years in terms of technology and thus the demand for cosmetic dentists has spiked as well. More people, than ever, are considering altering their physical appearance through cosmetic dental work because of the significant changes it can make to one’s physical appearance as well as their confidence. The road to becoming cosmetic dentists is not easy and requires educational and clinical commitments, but the rewards are large. Cosmetic dentists must receive a D.D.S degree from an accredited dental school or a D.M.D from the same type of school. Most dental schools offer training in cosmetic dental procedures during the course of a normal program, but additional testing and examinations from the American Dental Association is necessary to become a specialized cosmetic dentists. Cosmetic dentist salaries are generally high paying as the specialization requires additional examinations and testing after dental school. A cosmetic dentist salary can range from $91,000 - $177,000 depending on the type of practice and its location.
Cosmetic Dentistry’s Salary Ranges
Dentists who choose cosmetic dentistry as their career goal fair better, in terms of salary, in higher income metropolises. Cosmetic dentistry is not seen as a necessity and thus many insurance companies will not offer coverage for such procedures unless there are deemed medically necessary, such as braces. Because of this cosmetic dentists musty rely on a higher income clientele for the purpose of maintaining a business. Cosmetic dentist salary ranges in urban areas are in the mid $100,000 per year but can shoot up as high as $245,000 a year depending on their specializations. The salary of a cosmetic dentist depends greatly on their location, type of practice and whether or not they own their own business. A recently graduated dental student can expect to come on board at roughly the $90,000 mark as a cosmetic dentist salary in an urban area. Doctors who choose to practice on their own generally make more, but they are also responsible for the maintenance, marketing and upkeep of their business.
Cosmetic dentists who practice on their own after necessary training can expect to make between $184,000 and $300,000 depending on their clientele and how well their business is marketed. Per Diem is an option that some cosmetic dentists opt for as well; that is they work on a part-time basis in multiple offices when they are need. Generally these types of dentists are paid by the number of jobs they have completed for the office in question. A cosmetic dentist salary that chooses the Per Diem route can vary greatly but is generally on par with the average salaries, if not slightly higher, than one would expect from a dentist who has taken a full-time position with a dental practice.
Cosmetic Dentistry Benefits
A Cosmetic dentist salary is also buffered by occupational perks and benefits. While most dentists make around $100,000 a year or more their salaries, on average, is based on a 4 day work week with medical benefits, 401ks and profit sharing. Dentists are highly in demand as many dentists are retiring and the profession has seen a sharp decline in graduating students who are qualified to perform dental work, specifically cosmetic dental work. The retirement of current dentist and shortage of graduating students means that there are more jobs than applicants to fill them. This under-saturation of a market with students leads to those who are qualified being highly in demand and thus they can garner a higher starting salary. The same trend was seen in the pharmaceutical profession during the mid-2000s. The higher starting salaries however may draw more students to dental schools than in previous years which will eventually bring the number of applicants up significantly.
Cosmetic dentistry can be a highly rewarding career and the economic pay-off is solid and respectable. Those interested in the cosmetic dentistry salary should begin by considering their dental school options before focusing intently on cosmetic dentistry
