How Much Do Dentists Make in Iowa? A Clear and Simple Salary Guide for 2024

Have you wondered, “How much do dentists make in Iowa—and is it really worth it?” If you’re thinking about dental school, maybe moving here, or just curious about the money side for dentists in the Hawkeye State, you’re in the right place. It’s an important question, and you deserve a straight, honest answer you can actually use.

Maybe you’re thinking about the price of dental school and if it’s worth it in the end. Or maybe you’re already a dentist and curious about moving to Iowa. You might wonder if certain cities pay more, or if living expenses make lower pay go further. Let’s break down all these questions so you can feel sure about your next move.

In This Article

• What’s the Average Dentist Salary in Iowa?
• What Changes How Much a Dentist Makes?
• How Dentist Pay in Iowa Compares to the National Average
• The Iowa Job Market: What’s Happening?
• How Dentists Can Earn More in Iowa
• What Do Other Dental Team Members Make?
• Is Iowa Good for Your Dental Career?
• Key Points and Next Steps

What’s the Average Dentist Salary in Iowa?

Let’s answer the big question first. What’s the actual pay for dentists in Iowa?

The Short Answer

• Average Yearly Salary (All Dentists): $160,000 – $185,000
• Middle Salary: $150,000 – $175,000
• Hourly Pay: $77 – $90 per hour

These are average numbers for general dentists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other salary sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Salary.com.

Salary Ranges – New Versus Experienced

The pay can change a lot depending on your experience:

• New Dentists (0-2 years): $95,000 – $115,000
• Experienced Dentists (10+ years or owners): $200,000 – $250,000+, with some practice owners making $400,000 or more

Dentist Salary Table for Iowa

These numbers don’t include taxes, insurance, or running a business for practice owners—so keep that in mind!

What Changes How Much a Dentist Makes?

Pay isn’t always the same. There are a few reasons why pay goes up or down.

1. Years of Experience

Experience really does count. Here’s how it plays out:

• Just Starting (0-5 years): Lower end of the pay. Most work as helpers, sometimes in public clinics, often making near $100,000.
• Mid-Career (5-15 years): As skills and patient list grow, so does pay. You’ll see $130,000 to $180,000.
• Very Experienced (15+ years): This is where you earn the most, especially if you own the practice or have special skills.

2. Where You Work in Iowa

Not every city or town pays the same.

• Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: Usually pay more ($170,000 – $195,000+) because there are more people and bigger dental offices.
• Smaller Towns and Rural Places: Usually pay less in dollars ($120,000 – $160,000). But you might feel richer, since things cost less (rent, groceries, etc.).

If you think of pay like pizza—the pizza might be a bit smaller in the countryside, but what you buy with each slice goes further.

3. General Dentist or Specialist

Not every dentist does the same work, and pay changes too.

• General Dentists: $160,000 – $185,000 on average.
• Specialists: Dentists like orthodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists often make much more—about $250,000 – $350,000 or even higher. They have more schooling, but get paid more for tough jobs.

4. Type of Workplace

Who you work for also changes pay:

• Private Practice Associate: Get a paycheck or bonus. Good money, but the boss keeps some profits.
• Private Practice Owner: Highest pay if business does well, but you’re in charge of bills, staff, and equipment.
• Corporate Dental Service Groups (DSOs): Stable salary and good benefits, with sometimes smaller bonuses. Usually pay a little less than some private offices, but it’s safer.
• Public Health/Government: Lower pay ($100,000 – $130,000), but great benefits and easy hours. Good for some people.
• Teaching (Dental schools): Also lower pay, but steady hours and a chance to teach.

5. Education, Special Licenses, and Learning

A standard DDS or DMD is a must, but extra training (like orthodontics or oral surgery) can push you into higher pay areas. More skills and knowledge mean more patients trust you—and usually, the pay goes up.

How Dentist Pay in Iowa Compares to the National Average

You might wonder, “How does Iowa stack up for dentist pay? Should I move somewhere else?”

Iowa vs. Countrywide Dentist Pay

• U.S. average dentist salary: $185,000 – $210,000
• Iowa dentist salary: $160,000 – $185,000

At first glance, it might look like Iowa pays less than the coasts or really big cities. But there’s a reason.

Cost of Living Changes Everything

Iowa’s cost of living is about 87.7, or around 12% less than the U.S. average. Houses, groceries, and gas just cost less. That means your $170,000 in Iowa goes farther than the same amount in a place like New York.

Example

Think about your paycheck like a shopping cart. In Iowa, your cart is fuller after a trip to the store, since stuff is just less expensive.

Why the Change?

Some reasons:

• Lower costs for dentists: Things like office rent, supplies, and staff cost less in Iowa.
• Not as many super-high-paying jobs: Huge cities have a few dentists making a million dollars, pulling the national average higher.
• Supply and demand: Iowa has a good amount of dentists, but some towns need more.

The Iowa Job Market: What’s Happening?

It’s not just about the pay. Is there work out there? What does the future look like?

Dental Job Growth in Iowa

All over the country, dentist jobs are set to grow about 6% from 2022–2032 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Iowa is about the same, and in the countryside, the need is even bigger as older dentists retire.

Best Places for Dental Jobs:

• Des Moines area: Highest demand and pay
• Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport: More families, jobs growing
• Rural areas: Need more dentists—plus programs that help pay off student loans

If You’re Just Starting Out:

Most new dentists start as helpers (associates) in a private office or big company. A lot of Iowa offices are family-run, with a helpful learning vibe. Some offer mentor programs to help you move from dental school to the real world.

Student Debt—A Real Concern

It’s true—new dental school grads may owe $280,000 – $320,000 in student loans. That’s a lot, but strong starter salaries and cheap living in Iowa make paying it back a bit easier—extra help is around if you work in places that really need dentists.

How Dentists Can Earn More in Iowa

Want to earn more than just “getting by”? Here are solid ways Iowa dentists boost their pay.

1. Specialize

Thinking about more training after dental school? Dentists like orthodontists and oral surgeons make the most. Extra school pays off in the end.

2. Own Your Practice

Owning the office means higher pay, but also more things to deal with. If you’ve got a business mind, start as an associate, learn the ropes, then buy or open your own place—especially in small towns that need help.

3. Pick the Right Location

It’s not just about pay—it’s about what’s left in your pocket after bills. Try a smaller place where dentists are rare and you become the main choice for patients. Less competition and maybe even extra help from towns that need you.

4. Ask for More

Don’t take the first deal—whether you’re new or experienced. Look at all your benefits (retirement, insurance, bonuses). Ask about sign-on bonuses or loan help—especially if a town really needs dentists.

5. Keep Learning

Getting new skills isn’t only a rule, it can pay off. Learning about sedation, tooth cosmetics, or new tech can bring higher pay. If you’re interested in digital dental lab tech, working with a modern lab can grow your business and skills.

What Do Other Dental Team Members Make?

Dentists are top of the pay scale, but dental work is teamwork. What about the other jobs in the office?

Dental Hygienist Pay (Iowa)

• Average Yearly Pay: $65,000 – $75,000

Hygienists do most of the cleanings and teach patients about caring for their teeth.

Dental Assistant Pay (Iowa)

• Average Yearly Pay: $35,000 – $45,000

They get patients ready, take x-rays, and keep things running in the office.

If you’re thinking about another dental job or building your own office crew, these numbers help.

Is Iowa Good for Your Dental Career?

Let’s look at the big picture. Is Iowa a good pick to start or grow as a dentist?

Here’s The Simple Truth:

• Strong Pay: Good pay, especially for specialists and business owners.
• Cheaper Cost of Living: Your money has more power.
• More Dental Jobs Coming: Especially in cities and smaller towns.
• Good Life: Less traffic, less stress, friendly neighbors.

A Few Downsides:

• Not the highest pay in the U.S.: Some coastal big cities pay more, but things also cost a lot more there.
• Small towns can feel lonely: But they often really need dentists, so you can help out a lot.

Lots of Iowa dentists are happy at work. If you want a good job and a nice family life, Iowa gives you both—safety, jobs, and real community.

Key Points and Your Next Steps

Let’s keep it simple:

• Most Iowa dentists make $160,000–$185,000 per year. Specialists and owners can make even more.
• Your workplace and specialty change your pay. Big cities pay more, but your money gets you more in small towns.
• Cheap living in Iowa means you keep more of your pay.
• Jobs are steady—especially in small towns that need more dentists.
• Smart moves—like new skills or owning your own practice—can push pay much higher.
• Dental school is expensive, but Iowa has ways to help pay your loans back.

What Should You Do Next?

• Future dentists: Talk to Iowa dentists. Visit offices. Watch dentists at work to see what the job is really like.
• Students and new grads: Check out Iowa’s loan help or mentoring programs for dentists.
• Dentists thinking of moving: Compare new offers—don’t forget to put pay, cost of living, and lifestyle together.
• If you want more on new tech, materials, or working with a china dental lab, read more guides or chat with an Iowa dentist for advice.

Remember, the best dental job is about a lot more than just a number. It’s about the right fit, feeling good about your work, and having a life you enjoy both at work and at home. Iowa might be just what you’re looking for.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Salary.com, Indeed, Glassdoor
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• Iowa Dental Association
• Talk with Iowa dentists

Reviewed by Dr. Jane Doe, DDS, Iowa City Dental Health

Ready for your next step? Reaching out to an Iowa dentist or joining a dental group can help you feel sure about your choices. Your journey to a great dental career starts with one simple step—why not start now?