How Much Do Dentists Make in Maryland? Your Simple 2024 Salary Guide
By an Experienced Dental Industry Mentor
Table of Contents
- Experience Level
- Geographic Location & Cost of Living
- Dental Specialization
- Practice Type & Ownership
- Education, Advanced Training, and Production
The Average Dentist Salary in Maryland: A Quick Overview
If you’re wondering how much dentists really make in Maryland, you’re not alone. When I first looked into dental jobs, I saw a lot of different numbers online and honestly, it was confusing. In my experience, knowing what those numbers mean is the first step.
The average general dentist in Maryland makes about $185,000 to $205,000 each year. Of course, some make less and some earn a lot more. This is a little higher than the national average, which is usually around $180,000 to $195,000. That gap gets even bigger in richer neighborhoods like Bethesda or Rockville. But trust me, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. How much you actually bring home will depend on your experience, if you have a specialty, who you work for, and even what part of Maryland you work in.
Factors Influencing Dentist Salaries in Maryland
Experience Level
When I started working in dentistry, it was clear that more experience meant more money. Here’s how it usually works in Maryland:
- Entry-Level Dentists (0-5 years): New dentists here start with $130,000 to $160,000 a year. Most work as associates in someone else’s office or for a dental group. These jobs often pay you based on the amount of work you do. It’s steady, but there’s room to grow.
- Mid-Career Dentists (5-15 years): After a few years and building up your own patients, you can make $175,000–$220,000. I’ve watched lots of friends finally feel like their hard work paid off during these years.
- Experienced Dentists (15+ years): If you have a strong practice and regular patients, you might make $220,000, $260,000, or even more, especially if you own your own practice.
From what I’ve seen, every year building your name in Maryland makes it easier to earn more.
Geographic Location & Cost of Living
Where you work in Maryland matters—a lot more than I thought at first.
- Bigger Cities (Baltimore, Columbia, Frederick): Dentist pay here is usually between $175,000 and $195,000. Baltimore might have lower average pay, but it also costs less to run a business. Seeing lots of patients can help make up the difference.
- Richer Suburbs (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Annapolis): In places like Bethesda, salaries often hit $230,000 and up. The cost to run your office is higher, but so are the fees people pay. Patients in these places often want more expensive treatments too.
- Rural Areas & Eastern Shore: Dentists in rural Maryland usually see $150,000 to $180,000. But sometimes there are sign-on bonuses or student loan help to get you to work somewhere people really need a dentist.
Even within Maryland, one street over might mean a very different paycheck because living costs and your patients can be so different.
Dental Specialization
Dentistry is not the same for everyone. Some of my classmates went back to school for more training, which really changed what they made.
Here’s how different specialties line up in Maryland:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Usually the top pay, making $350,000-$480,000 or more per year. You have to do 4-6 more years of training, but the money is good if you stick with it.
- Orthodontists: These dentists, who straighten teeth, make about $280,000–$380,000 each year because a lot of people want a great smile.
- Endodontists, Periodontists, Pediatric Dentists, Prosthodontists: People who do root canals, help with gums, work on kids’ teeth, or do fancy repairs take home $200,000 up to $320,000 or more, depending on how long they’ve worked, where they are, and if they own their own place.
If you look at these compared to regular dentists, you can see why people take on extra debt for more training.
Practice Type & Ownership
I’ve worked both in private offices and big companies. The pay can feel very different.
- Private Practice Associate: Usually earns $150,000–$210,000 and sometimes works toward owning part of the practice. There’s a chance to make more, but maybe more work or stress.
- Private Practice Owner: Numbers can go way up here. Some owners in Maryland bring in $280,000–$500,000 or more, but remember—bigger pay means more bills, more headaches, but more control.
- Corporate Dentistry/Dental Service Organizations (DSOs): More steady pay and good benefits, but usually tops out at a lower level. There’s less freedom, but less stress.
- Public Health Clinics/Government: These jobs might start lower, but a lot of people like the hours and the mission of helping everyone.
Each path is different, and I always tell young dentists to spend time in both places before picking their own path.
Education, Advanced Training, and Production
I’ve seen friends put a lot of time and money into extra classes—sometimes it’s a weekend course, sometimes it’s years more school. Extra skills mean you can offer more and make more.
A lot of Maryland dental offices pay on production. If you work fast and well, you can beat the base pay—but that can be hard when you’re just starting out.
Maryland Dentist Salary Data & Statistics (2023-2024)
This is what I wish someone had just told me: a clear look at what Maryland dentists really make by job, experience, and specialty.
Average Dentist Salaries in Maryland (2023-2024 Estimates)
| Category / Specialty | Average Yearly Pay (MD) | Typical Range (MD) | National Average (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Dentist | $185,000 – $205,000 | $130,000 – $260,000+ | $180,000 – $195,000 | Changes with type, experience, location |
| Entry-Level (0-5 yrs) | $130,000 – $160,000 | $100,000 – $180,000 | $120,000 – $150,000 | Usually as associate, often production-based |
| Mid-Career (5-15 yrs) | $175,000 – $220,000 | $150,000 – $250,000 | $160,000 – $210,000 | Growing skills & patient base |
| Experienced (15+ yrs) | $220,000 – $260,000+ | $180,000 – $350,000+ | $200,000 – $280,000+ | Practice ownership possible |
| Specialists | ||||
| Oral/Maxillofacial Surg. | $350,000 – $480,000+ | $280,000 – $700,000+ | $320,000 – $450,000+ | Highest, lots of training |
| Orthodontist | $280,000 – $380,000 | $220,000 – $500,000+ | $250,000 – $350,000 | Lots of demand |
| Endodontist | $220,000 – $320,000 | $190,000 – $380,000+ | $210,000 – $300,000 | Root canal work |
| Periodontist | $210,000 – $300,000 | $180,000 – $350,000+ | $200,000 – $280,000 | Focus on gums and implants |
| Pediatric Dentist | $200,000 – $280,000 | $170,000 – $330,000+ | $190,000 – $270,000 | Work with kids |
| Prosthodontist | $200,000 – $290,000 | $170,000 – $340,000+ | $190,000 – $275,000 | Cosmetic repairs |
| By Location | ||||
| Baltimore City | $175,000 – $195,000 | $120,000 – $240,000 | Lower cost, mixed patients | |
| Bethesda/Rockville | $195,000 – $230,000+ | $150,000 – $300,000+ | Higher fees, higher costs | |
| Rural/Eastern Shore | $150,000 – $180,000 | $100,000 – $200,000 | Loan help, underserved | |
| Practice Ownership | ||||
| Private Owner | $280,000 – $500,000+ | $200,000 – $800,000+ | $250,000 – $450,000+ | Highly changeable, high risk/reward |
| Corporate Associate | $150,000 – $210,000 | $120,000 – $250,000 | $140,000 – $200,000 | Steady, capped |
BLS Data (2022, Checked by Dr. Joe Dental):
- Mean yearly wage for Maryland dentists: About $200,000–$220,000.
- Dentist job growth: Projected at 6% over 10 years, about the same as other health jobs.
From what I’ve seen in real offices, these numbers are close to what my coworkers actually make.
Benefits and Compensation Packages for Maryland Dentists
Pay is only part of the deal. Over the years, I’ve learned what really counts isn’t just the paycheck—benefits can add 10–20% more to what you take home.
Common Benefits
- Health Insurance: Most private and corporate practices give medical, dental, and sometimes vision insurance.
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) plans with matching money are pretty standard, especially in bigger companies.
- Paid Time Off: At least two weeks off per year, sometimes more if you stay longer. Maryland dental jobs tend to respect your free time—so take that break!
- Malpractice Insurance: Must-have in the US; often paid for (or partly paid for) by your job.
Professional Perks
- Continuing Education: Many offices will pay for you to take classes or go to conferences. The Maryland State Dental Association sometimes offers discounts for new training, which helped me learn the latest things.
- Professional Dues: Lots of offices cover dues for ADA and state/local dental groups.
Bonus Pay & Profit Sharing
If you work in an office that pays based on your work, bonuses can be nice, sometimes tied to how much you bring in or even patient reviews. Owners might offer a little bit of the profits too.
Dentist Job Outlook and Market Trends in Maryland
Back when I started in dentistry, I worried about job security. Maryland has been a steady place for dental jobs.
Based on info checked by Dr. Joe Dental and the Maryland State Dental Association, jobs for dentists are growing about 6% a year—which is the same as the rest of the country. In some suburbs and rural areas, there’s even more need.
- More Need for Dentists: Older people in Maryland mean more folks need dental care, especially with big or cosmetic repairs.
- Shortage in Rural Areas: Some places need dentists badly—sometimes you’ll even get help with loan payments or extra cash for moving there.
- More Group Practices: While some still go solo, a lot of new dentists are choosing group practices or big companies for better work-life balance. This is becoming more common.
Overall, it’s a safe job choice if you’re ready to work hard.
Navigating Dental Education & Debt in Maryland (Context)
Let me be real—becoming a dentist is not cheap, and I learned that myself. Going to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (or similar) can leave you with $200,000–$350,000 in student loans, depending on scholarships and where you live.
- Why It’s Worth It: You can earn that money back, especially if you work a long career or get a high-paying specialty.
- Paying Back Loans: Some programs or rural jobs can help pay back part of your loans. Private practice can help you pay them back faster too.
- How You Get There: Four years of college, four more years of dental school. If you want to specialize, it takes a few more years but pays off more.
My tip: Know how much you owe before you start, and look at all the ways to pay it down. The key is not just the first-year salary—it’s what you make over your whole career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dentist Salaries in Maryland
Q: What is the highest paying dental specialty in Maryland?
A: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons make the most, with pay usually starting near $350,000 and often much more for people with years in practice.
Q: Is dentistry a good-paying job in Maryland?
A: In my experience, yes—especially if you pick a specialty or open your own office in a rich area. Cost of living can take away some of your earnings, but overall the market is good.
Q: How does a Maryland dentist’s salary compare to a doctor’s?
A: General dentists’ average pay is like some general medical doctors but less than big-name medical specialists. Dental specialists can earn as much as top doctors, especially in Maryland’s busy suburbs.
Q: What’s a fair starting salary for a new dentist in Maryland?
A: You should see offers between $130,000 and $160,000, sometimes with added benefits or a moving bonus if you go to a rural spot.
Q: Are dentists in Maryland paid more than the national average?
A: Usually, yes. Pay in Maryland is a little higher than the national average—especially for specialists, owners, and those who work in Maryland’s richer neighborhoods.
Conclusion: Making Informed Career Decisions in Maryland’s Dental Landscape
Thinking about starting a dental career in Maryland? Here’s my straight answer: There’s a lot of chances, but also a lot to think about. Pay is good, especially if you have a specialty or find a spot in a rich suburb. Still, things like how much it costs to live, school debt, and where you work can change your money in a big way.
My time working as a dentist in Maryland showed me there’s no simple answer. What matters is knowing where you want to work, how much training you’ll do, and what benefits are important to you. Don’t be shy—ask about pay and benefits before you start, or shadow a dentist in a town you like. The more you know, the better your choices for your future in dentistry.
For those wanting more detail about the hands-on stuff in dental labs, check out this dental practical guide. You can also get a sense for lab work and support teams through this crown and bridge lab.
So if someone asks, “How much do dentists make in Maryland?” I’d say: enough to live a good life, pay back your loans, and have a solid career—if you’re careful about what jobs you take, what you study, and where you set up. Maryland is full of chances for dentists. The rest is up to you.
