Dentist Salary in Las Vegas 2024: A Simple Guide to Pay & Future
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Looking at Dentist Salaries in Las Vegas
When I first thought about moving to Las Vegas to be a dentist, I was drawn to more than just the bright lights. The big pull? The pay, job chances, and the mix of people and jobs you only really see in Vegas. In this guide, I’ll share what I found out about dentist pay in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a dental student thinking about your future or a dentist who’s been working for years, there’s info here for you.
Vegas needs good dental care. Lots of people are moving here and different families and workers are coming in all the time. But what does that mean money-wise? Let’s take a look.
2. Average Dentist Salary in Las Vegas, NV (General Dentists)
Here’s the simple answer: In 2024, most general dentists in Las Vegas make between $185,000 and $220,000 a year. The pay can be a lot lower if you’re just starting, sometimes around $130,000, but some dentists earn $300,000 or more, especially if they own their office.
How does Vegas compare to the country? Across the U.S., most general dentists make $175,000 to $200,000. So, in Las Vegas, dentists do a little better. That’s mostly because the city is big, there are lots of patients, and costs are a bit higher.
Here’s a real example. I talked to Dr. Emily R., who just finished dental school at UNLV. She started as a dental associate at $130,000 for the year. With a bonus based on how many patients she saw, she took home about $145,000 her first year. Not bad, especially with student loans!
3. Dentist Salary by Specialty in Las Vegas
General dentistry is solid, but what if you focus on a special area? That’s when pay can really jump up.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists (who straighten teeth) in Las Vegas usually earn about $250,000 to $350,000 each year. Some even make over $500,000, especially if they own their office and see lots of patients.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
If you like surgery, you might earn $300,000 to $450,000 or more. I know a few surgeons here who pull in $600,000 when they have a packed schedule. This big pay matches the tough and in-demand work they do.
Pediatric Dentists
Dentists who work with kids earn good pay too—$200,000 to $280,000 is normal. Some make up to $350,000. Where you work matters: areas with lots of families like Henderson have lots of young patients.
Endodontists, Periodontists, & Prosthodontists
If you work on root canals or gum health, there’s good money too. I know:
- Endodontists making $220,000–$320,000
- Periodontists earning $200,000–$300,000
- Prosthodontists at about $210,000–$310,000
Dentists who partner with a good implant dental lab and add things like implants can boost their pay.
4. Main Things That Affect Dentist Salaries in Las Vegas
“Average” pay never tells the whole story. Your own pay might look different, based on a few key things.
Experience Level
Pay depends a lot on your years of work and training.
- Just starting/new grads: $120,000–$160,000 (give or take)
- 5-10 years working: Usually $180,000–$250,000 as you get steady patients
- Over 10 years: Breaking $300,000 isn’t strange, especially if you own or specialize
If you do extra things, like cosmetic work or implants, your pay goes up.
Practice Type
Where and how you work changes your pay a lot.
- Private Owner: You work harder, but big pay. Some owners in Summerlin bring in $420,000–$480,000 after costs.
- Associate Dentist: Less stress and more steady pay than owning. Usually $120,000–$180,000 when new or mid-career.
- Corporate Dentistry: Good stable pay plus benefits. Pay can be strong, depending on how many patients you see.
- Public Clinics: Less money, but more job safety or loan help, and you help people who need it most.
Location in Las Vegas
Where you open your practice matters:
- Summerlin: Wealthier, family area. Good for all-around work.
- Henderson: Great for family or kid dentists. Lots of steady patients.
- Downtown/North LV: Still has chances for new practices and less crowding for certain specialties.
Patient Numbers & Services You Offer
See more patients and add more services (like implants, clear braces, or pretty crowns) and your pay can go way up. Having a good digital dental lab behind you means you can offer more and get things done faster, which helps your wallet.
Education & Extra Training
Dentists who get special certificates, finish extra programs, or keep learning new things usually stand out. Those extra hours really pay off—they help you do more for your patients and earn better too.
5. Living Costs in Las Vegas for Dentists
A lot of dentists ask me: “Will my pay really go further in Las Vegas?” Good question!
The cost of living in Las Vegas is about 8.5% higher than the national average (the score is about 108.5). Housing is the main reason for this—some places cost a lot more than others, and rent is going up. Other costs are about average.
But here’s some good news: Nevada doesn’t have a state income tax! That means your take-home pay is higher here than in places like California or New York. When you do the math, even with higher rents, dentists usually end up with more money left after taxes.
Running a dental office costs money too—including supplies and lab work. Some practices partner with a reliable china dental lab to keep prices down and quality good.
6. Job Outlook and Demand for Dentists in Las Vegas
Here’s the best part: Dentist jobs in Las Vegas are growing. The government expects dentists to grow about 6% across the U.S. by 2032, but Las Vegas is growing even faster because more people are moving in.
Lots of my friends found work here right after school—sometimes even before they graduated. Certain jobs—like kids’ dentistry and oral surgery—are in high demand.
There is competition. But if you like making new friends, building a good name, and giving great care, there’s lots of work to go around.
7. How to Earn More as a Dentist in Las Vegas
Want your pay to get bigger? Here are some simple things that work.
Specialize or Learn More
Dentists who work in a special area earn more. If you enjoy things like braces, surgery, or making dentures, extra training helps you find better jobs and bring in more money.
Learning new tech and offering new services also helps. Working with labs that are good at new materials (like dental ceramics) can help you do more for your patients.
Manage or Own Your Practice
Owning your office isn’t easy, but it pays off over time if you can run things well. Keeping your team happy, spending money wisely, and adding services that people want means more pay for you.
Group practices or partnerships are a good starting place if you’re not ready for full ownership.
Getting and Keeping Patients
People talk! Doing a good job brings new people in. Patients who trust you come back again and again, which means steady work and steady pay.
It helps to learn basic marketing—making a website, meeting other dentists, and offering things like clear braces or smile makeovers can set you apart from the rest.
Money and Debt Planning
Student loans and office costs add up if you’re not careful. Pay back what you owe smartly and watch your spending. Set some money aside for learning and emergencies—you’ll avoid big surprises.
Also, plan for when you retire. The pay can be big, but so can the bills if you don’t save early.
8. Conclusion: Is Las Vegas Good for Dentists?
After working in dentistry for years, I can tell you: Las Vegas is a great place for dentists. Pay is strong, costs are fair, and there are lots of people who need care here.
Is it quick and easy money? Nope. But if you work hard, keep learning, pick an area you enjoy, and learn a bit of business, you’ll do great.
If you want to know more about running your office or caring for patients, check out helpful sites like the dental practical guide or talk to other dentists who know the city.
For me, being a dentist in Las Vegas is more than good pay—it’s a good life. Ready to start your own story here? Best of luck!
