Dentist Salary in Massachusetts: A Simple Guide to Earnings & What Matters
Are you thinking about becoming a dentist in Massachusetts, or just wondering how much dentists really make in the Bay State? In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through what you need to know about dentist pay in Massachusetts. Want to see how pay looks by city, what specialists make, or what a new dentist gets? You’re in the right place. Read this before you start your dental career—it’ll help you see what you can really earn and what being a dentist in Massachusetts is all about.
Table of Contents
What Is the Average Dentist Salary in Massachusetts?
Let’s get straight to it. Dentists in Massachusetts make good money, but pay can be very different depending on your experience, where you work, and what you do in dentistry.
Here’s an easy table with the most recent average numbers, using trusted places like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, and the Massachusetts Dental Society.
| Position | Average Annual Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Dentist | $160,000 – $220,000 | $120,000 – $350,000+ |
| Entry-Level Dentist | $120,000 – $160,000 | |
| Experienced Dentist | $180,000 – $250,000+ | |
| Practice Owner (Net) | $250,000 – $500,000+ | After costs/overhead |
| Orthodontist | $250,000 – $350,000+ | Specialty |
| Oral Surgeon | $280,000 – $400,000+ | Specialty |
Dr. Joe Dental, who teaches at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, says, “Massachusetts pays dentists pretty well, but it really depends on where you work and how long you’ve been a dentist.”
- Dentists in Boston, Cambridge, and other big cities usually get paid more, but things also cost more there.
- In more country areas, pay might be less but there’s not as much competition.
How Do Dentist Salaries Change by Specialty?
Ever wondered why some dentists drive fancy cars and others just drive regular ones? This could be why! Dental specialists usually make more than regular dentists.
Let’s look at it simply:
- Orthodontists are often at the top, making $250,000 to $350,000 a year.
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can make over $400,000, since their job is tough and takes a lot of school.
- Pediatric Dentists work with kids and make about $200,000 to $280,000.
- Endodontists and Periodontists (who handle root canals and gum work) do well, too.
- Prosthodontists, who fix broken smiles with crowns and bridges, make around $180,000 to $260,000.
Table: Average Salaries for Dental Specialties in Massachusetts
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary (Range) |
|---|---|
| Orthodontist | $250,000 – $350,000+ |
| Oral Surgeon | $280,000 – $400,000+ |
| Pediatric Dentist | $200,000 – $280,000 |
| Endodontist | $220,000 – $300,000 |
| Periodontist | $200,000 – $280,000 |
| Prosthodontist | $180,000 – $260,000 |
Dr. Joe Dental adds, “If you want to work with kids, pediatric dentistry is busy right now. But, if you want to be at the top, try oral surgery or orthodontics.”
What Affects Dentist Pay in Massachusetts?
Why do salaries go up and down so much? Here’s why:
- How Much Experience: New dentists start with lower pay, but they usually earn more after a few years.
- Location: Dentists in Boston or Cambridge can get paid more than those in Springfield or Worcester, but bills are higher too.
- Practice Type: Working for someone else brings steady pay, but running your own place can pay more (if you can handle the stress and bills).
- How Many Patients You See: More patients often means more money.
- Extra Training: More school (like specialties) leads to higher pay.
- How You Are Paid: Some dentists get bonuses or are paid by how many procedures they do. Other times, it’s just salary plus benefits.
- Practice Bills: If you own your office, you have to pay for staff, rent, gear—even when not many patients come in.
Here’s a story: Dr. Lucy Smith started in Boston as an associate dentist, making about $130,000 each year for three years. Then she bought her own smaller office in Worcester. Her take-home pay jumped to almost $300,000 because her bills were lower and she kept more of the money she made.
How Much Do New Dentists Make in Massachusetts?
If you’re just out of dental school, you’ll do better than most people, but you probably won’t make the highest pay right away.
- Starting Pay: Most new dentists in Massachusetts start at about $120,000 to $160,000 each year.
- If you work in a busy office or pick up extra hours, you might earn more.
- Most new grads start as associates—so you’ll get a fixed salary or a percentage of each procedure you do.
A lot of new dentists work in big group offices or for dental chain companies. The paycheck is steady, but you might not pick your own hours or work style. Still, these jobs help you get experience and start paying off those big student loans.
If you like tech stuff, some dental offices work with a digital dental lab so you can get trained on the latest tools—helpful if you want to learn more and maybe earn a little more one day.
Is There Demand for Dentists in Massachusetts?
Smart question. Massachusetts, like most states, still needs a lot of dentists.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics says dentist jobs will grow by about 6% from 2022 to 2032.
- Many people in Massachusetts are getting older and need more dental care.
- There’s most growth in places where there are not enough dentists, like parts of western and central Massachusetts.
Dr. Joe Dental tells his students, “If you’re ok with working outside big cities, you might have less competition and even get help paying back your student loans if you work in a place that really needs dentists.”
Does the Cost of Living Change Dentist Pay?
Yep—living and working in Massachusetts costs a lot.
- Boston, Cambridge, and even Springfield have high costs for rent, houses, and basic stuff.
- Dentists in fancy areas might get bigger paychecks, but they also spend more of it.
- Small towns might pay a bit less, but you can buy more with what you earn.
Always look at salary plus cost of living when you think about where to work. Ask, “Will I have enough after bills to save, have fun, or pay those student loans?”
Here’s an example:
| City | Avg. Dentist Salary | Cost of Living Index | Estimated Take-Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $200,000 | Very High | $110,000 |
| Worcester | $160,000 | Moderate | $95,000 |
| Springfield | $140,000 | Lower | $90,000 |
Remember, take-home pay is what you get after bills—not your full salary.
How Can Dentists Make More Money in Massachusetts?
If you’re thinking, “How can I make the most I can?” here’s what works:
Dentists who like tough cases can work with good implant dental laboratories to do advanced jobs that pay more.
Where Can You Find Good Dentist Salary Info?
Always check more than one place before picking your next step. Here’s where to look for the latest, most trusted numbers:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The standard for job pay numbers.
- Massachusetts Dental Society: Has local reports about dentist pay in MA.
- Glassdoor, Payscale, Indeed, Salary.com: All have real salary numbers and job postings.
- Dental Schools: Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University show pay info for students and job seekers.
Dr. Joe Dental says, “Don’t use just one website—talk to people, ask teachers, and check a few places so you know the real numbers.”
Dentist Salary Frequently Asked Questions for Massachusetts
Q: Is dentistry a good job in Massachusetts?
A: Yes! It’s a strong, well-paid job with room to grow.
Q: How does MA pay stack up to other states?
A: Dentists in Massachusetts usually make more than the national average, but living here costs more.
Q: Does a DDS or DMD make more in MA?
A: They pay the same! Both are good degrees. Your pay is about your experience, not your degree’s name.
Q: Do Boston dentists get paid more?
A: Often, yes, but they pay more for rent and everything else.
Q: What specialties pay the most?
A: Oral surgery, orthodontics, and endodontics are usually top earners.
Key Points: What You Should Know
- Dentists in Massachusetts get paid well, but what you take home depends on location, experience, and your specialty.
- Specialist dentists make more, but it takes more school.
- Living in a costly city matters. High pay in Boston doesn’t always mean you have more left over.
- Owning an office can mean more money but also more risk and work.
- Check the facts. Use more than one source for your research.
- Working with top, high-tech labs can help boost your skills and pay.
Being a dentist in Massachusetts pays off for most people. If you do your homework, keep learning, and care for your patients, you’ll do well—whether you work in Boston, Worcester, or a small town.
Reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS, Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
References: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Massachusetts Dental Society, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Payscale, Glassdoor, Salary.com
