Dentistry is a dynamic healthcare profession vital to maintaining oral health and well-being. Like other medical fields, dentistry offers many career paths, from general practice to specialized disciplines.
If you’re thinking about a career in dentistry, one of your biggest questions might be: How much do dentists make in Canada?
This article provides a detailed overview of average dentist salaries in Canada as of 2025 and compares them to the average national overall salaries. We’ll analyze pay scales by experience level, location, specialty, practice model, and other key factors.
What are the Average Dentist Salaries in Canada?
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide preventive care and educate patients on proper oral hygiene. Most dentists operate general practices, while some pursue additional training to specialize in orthodontics and oral surgery.
According to Talent.com, the average salary for a general dentist in Canada is $125,000 per year, according to self-reported data from 2503 dentists nationwide. However, dentist salaries range widely, from as low as $125,000 to $209,004 annually, depending on various factors explored throughout this article.
What are the Key Factors Influencing Dentist Salaries in Canada?
Dentist salaries vary based on location, years of experience, specialty, practice model, education credentials, and other elements that impact compensation. Here are four key factors determining how much dentists earn in Canada:
Location
There are considerable variations in dentist pay between different provinces and cities across the country. Areas with higher costs of living and greater demand generally offer higher salaries.
Big cities usually have higher dental fees, but also come with more competition and higher business costs. Conversely, rural or northern communities may offer government incentives and less competition, which can lead to high earning potential.
The table below shows five of the top-paying cities for dentists:
| City | Province | Median Salary (CAD) |
| Ottawa | Ontario | $330,114 |
| Winnipeg | Manitoba | $263,144 |
| Edmonton | Alberta | $233,850 |
| Calgary | Alberta | $220,943 |
| Toronto | Ontario | $209,199 |
Experience Level
As with most careers, dentist salaries increase significantly with years of experience practicing in Canada.
Entry-Level Dentists (0-4 years)
New graduates typically start as associate dentists. In their first few years, they focus on building speed and clinical confidence. Their average annual income typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000.
Mid-Career Dentists (5-15 years)
With substantial experience, dentists become more efficient and may begin to consider practice ownership. Their income sees a significant jump, often ranging from $170,000 to $280,000 per year. Those who become practice owners in this stage may see their gross income climb even higher.
Experienced Dentists (15+ years)
Dentists with decades of experience usually reach their highest earning potential. They have established reputations, highly efficient workflows, and many own mature, profitable practices. Their annual income can easily exceed $300,000, with top-earning owners and specialists making $500,000 or more.
Specialty
Specialist dentists who focus on particular treatment areas earn significantly more than general practitioners on average. Four of the most lucrative dental specialties include:
| Specialty | Low (CAD/year) | High (CAD/year) |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $300,000 | $500,000 |
| Orthodontists | $280,000 | $450,000 |
| Endodontists | $250,000 | $400,000 |
| Prosthodontists | $230,000 | $350,000 |
Specialists invest 3-6 additional years after dental school to complete residency training and earn specialty credentials. Their advanced expertise commands higher pay in the job market.
Practice Model
Dentists have options regarding practice settings, which also impact earnings. Those who own private practices generally earn the highest incomes, but they also carry more risk and overhead expenses.
Public health dentists working in community clinics or government programs earn less than private practice dentists. However, they may receive incentives, loan forgiveness, and other perks provided by provincial governments.
Source: Dentist Salary in Canada 2025 – upgrad.com
What are the differences between General and Specialist Dentists in Canada?
General dentists make up about 80-90% of practicing dentists in Canada. They provide essential dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, tooth extractions, and minor oral surgery. General practitioners refer patients to specialists for more complex treatments.
Specialist dentists complete additional post-graduate training in one of the nine formally recognized dental specialties in Canada:
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Oral Medicine and Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Earning specialty credentials requires an extra 3 years of education, including a residency program. This advanced expertise commands higher salaries.
Specialists often earn over 50% more than general dentists. The most lucrative specialties are those that provide complex surgical procedures like oral maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.
What are the Key Differences Between Provincial Dentist Salaries in Canada?
There are noticeable differences in average dentist salaries between provinces and territories in Canada.
Major factors that cause these salary variations are:
- Cost of living – Provinces like Ontario and Alberta, which have higher living costs, generally have higher dentist salaries.
- Demand – More populous provinces with higher patient volumes drive demand and enable dentists to earn more. Shortages in smaller provinces also increase salaries.
- Incentives – Some provincial governments offer financial incentives to attract dentists to underserved areas.
- Overhead – Provinces with lower office rental costs and overhead expenses allow dentists to earn more net income.
Here is an overview of current dentist salary ranges by province:
| Province | Median Salary (CAD/year) | High Salary (CAD/year) |
| Ontario | $104,000 | $210,000 |
| Alberta | $120,000 | $270,000 |
| British Columbia | $84,000 | $214,000 |
| Quebec | $106,000 | $228,000 |
| Manitoba | $116,000 | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | $126,000 | N/A |
| Saskatchewan | $110,000 | N/A |
Dentist salaries are highest in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia due to strong demand in metro regions like Toronto and Vancouver and the higher costs of living and practicing dentistry. Rural provinces struggle with lower earnings but often provide incentives.
Source: Dentist in Canada, Government of Canada
How do dentist salaries in Canada compare to those in other countries?
From a global standpoint, dentist salaries in Canada are pretty competitive. They are on par with top-paying countries like Australia and the United States.
For example, the average dentist’s salary in the U.S. is around USD $235,000, which is roughly CAD $327,000. Top earners and specialists in the U.S. can earn significantly more, making the two countries highly comparable.
Meanwhile, the average dentist’s salary in Australia is approximately AUD $150,000, or about CAD $138,123. While strong, this is generally lower than in Canada.
Canada also compares favourably to the United Kingdom, where dentists earn an average of approximately £85,112 GBP or $159,000 CAD, making Canadian compensation significantly higher
When considering these figures, it’s also important to factor in differences in taxes, cost of living, and the cost of dental education in each country. Overall, Canada remains a top-tier country for a dental career from a financial perspective.
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Should You Become a Dentist? Key Takeaways on Salaries and Careers
Based on current salary trends, dentistry remains one of Canada’s most financially rewarding and personally meaningful medical professions. It offers an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy working hands-on to improve patients’ health and confidence.
Hopefully, this guide will provide helpful insights into the average dentist salary across Canada. Here are four key takeaways on dentist income:
- Dentist salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, area of specialization, and location.
- The highest pay goes to experienced specialists in metro regions with higher living costs and demand. Rural areas offer lower but more stable earnings.
- Salaries compare favourably to those of other top-earning countries like the United States and Australia.
- On average, specialists like orthodontists and oral surgeons earn 50% or more than general practitioners.
For individuals passionate about oral healthcare, dentistry offers financial stability, continuous learning, and the chance to impact patients’ overall health and self-esteem.
FAQs about Average Dentist Salaries in Canada
What factors impact how much dentists earn in Canada?
The main factors are practice model (owner vs. associate), specialty, years of experience, and location (province and city). Practice owners and specialists consistently earn the most, and income grows substantially with experience.
Where do dentists earn the highest salaries in Canada?
Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan often report the highest median incomes due to strong economies and demand. Major cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa are also among the top-paying urban centres.
Why do some dentists earn so much more than others?
The largest income gaps are explained by three factors: practice ownership (earning business profits vs. a salary), specialization (specialists earn 50-100% more than general dentists), and experience (a veteran dentist is far more efficient and established than a new graduate).
When do most dentists reach their peak earning potential?
Most dentists hit their peak earning years in the late-career stage, typically with 15+ years of experience. At this point, many own a mature practice, have a loyal patient base, and work with maximum efficiency, allowing their annual income to exceed $300,000 or much more if they are a specialist.
Which type of Dentist gets paid the most?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons earn the highest salaries in Canada, ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 annually. Orthodontists follow closely at $280,000-$450,000, while Endodontists and Dental Anesthesiologists earn $250,000-$400,000. General dentists earn considerably less, at $131,000-$274,000 on average.
Do dentists make more than doctors in Canada?
General medical practitioners earn CAD 226,100 on average, while dentists earn CAD 272,900. However, medical specialists often earn more than general dentists, with some physicians earning over CAD 400,000 annually.
What is the highest average dentist salary in Canada?
The highest reported average dentist salary is CAD 418,700 for experienced practitioners. Dental specialists can earn up to CAD 500,000, with oral surgeons at the top of the scale.
What is the average dentist's salary in Canada per month?
The average monthly salary for dentists in Canada is CAD 22,741, though this varies by province. Alberta dentists average CAD 31,667 monthly, while Ontario dentists earn around CAD 26,333 monthly.
How does a dentist's salary in Canada compare to that in the USA?
Dentist salaries in Canada and the USA are very competitive and broadly similar. The median salary in the U.S. is around $235,000 USD (approx. $327,000 CAD), while Canada's median is around $191,734 CAD. Top earners, especially specialists and practice owners, have very similar high-end income potential in both countries.
What is the starting salary for new dentists in Canada?
Entry-level dentists in Canada start at CAD 125,000 annually, according to recent data, though some sources report starting salaries between CAD 100,000 and 161,300 depending on location and practice type.
