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. For those considering a career in dentistry, a key question is: how much does a dentist make in Canada?
This article provides a detailed overview of average dentist salaries in Canada as of 2025, compared to the average national overall salaries. We’ll analyze pay scales by experience level, location, specialty, practice model, and other key factors. Whether you’re a prospective student exploring dental programs or a practicing dentist looking to benchmark your earnings, this guide offers data-driven insights into dentist compensation nationwide.
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. The profession is classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 31110, “Dentists”, which encompasses general practitioners and all dental specialties.
As of Feb 2025, the average salary for a general dentist in Canada is CAD 184,866 per year, according to self-reported data from 493 dentists nationwide. However, dentist salaries range widely, from as low as CAD 142,300 to CAD 418,700 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 some significant 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.
For example, some of the top-paying provinces for dentists are:
| Ontario | CAD 104,000 – CAD 210,000 |
| Alberta | CAD 120,000 – CAD 270,000 |
| British Columbia | CAD 84,000 – CAD 214,000 |
Metro regions also show significant differences. According to reported incomes, the highest-paying cities for dentists in Canada include:
| Windsor, ON | CAD 267,343 |
| Calgary, AB | CAD 257,565 |
| Ottawa, ON | CAD 259,700 |
| Vancouver, BC | CAD 248,500 |
| Toronto, ON | CAD 231,000 |
Experience Level
As with most careers, dentist salaries increase significantly with years of experience practicing in Canada.
Entry-Level Dentists
Dentists just starting their careers earn salaries on the lower pay scale. However, even new graduates make a substantial income compared to other entry-level professionals.
According to reported salaries, a dentist with less than 1 year of experience earns approximately $99,630 on average. Those with 1-4 years of experience see their income rise to around $114,191 annually. Entry-level dentists with under 2 years of practice earn between $125,000 and $161,300 annually.
Mid-Career Dentists
After getting established, dentists reach their peak earning years. The average salary for a dentist with 5-9 years of experience is around $140,000 in Canada. On average, those with 10-19 years of experience earn approximately $132,257. Overall, mid-career dentists with 5-15 years of practice earn an average of $180,000 to $250,000 per year.
Experienced Dentists
Dentists with extensive experience attain the highest pay rates. After 20+ years in practice, average earnings exceed $150,000 per year. Some highly experienced dentists make up to $393,300 annually.
The premium for experience reflects the value of veteran dentists’ expertise and reputation gained over many years of practice. Many also transition into owning their own successful practices.
Specialty
Specialist dentists who focus on particular treatment areas earn significantly more than general practitioners on average. Some of the most lucrative dental specialties include:
| Orthodontists | $300,000+ per year |
| Oral Surgeons | $400,000+ per year |
| Endodontists | $240,000+ per year |
| Prosthodontists | $240,000+ per year |
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 carry more risk and overhead expenses. Clin-associated dentists earn less but have more stable salaries and benefits.
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 seeking to attract dentists to underserved areas.
Source: Average Dentist Salary in Canada for 2025 – worldsalaries.com
What Differs 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. Here’s a comparison of average salaries:
| Orthodontists | $300,000+ per year |
| Oral Surgeons | $400,000+ per year |
| Endodontists | $240,000+ per year |
| General Dentists | $160,000 – $200,000 per year |
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 cause these salary variations:
- 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 | High Salary |
| Ontario | CAD 104,000 | CAD 210,000 |
| Alberta | CAD 120,000 | CAD 270,000 |
| British Columbia | CAD 84,000 | CAD 214,000 |
| Quebec | CAD 106,000 | CAD 228,000 |
| Manitoba | CAD 116,000 | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 126,000 | N/A |
| Saskatchewan | CAD 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
Salaries for Dentists in Canada vs. 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 United States is around $170,910 annually or approximately CAD 244,854, based on the current exchange rate. This is in line with Canadian averages.
Meanwhile, the average annual salary for dentists in Australia is $186,076 AUD, or roughly CAD 167,560.
Canada also compares favourably to the United Kingdom, where dentists earn an average of approximately £79,369 GBP or $140,944 CAD.
So, while salaries may differ moderately between provinces, Canada remains one of the leading countries in terms of dentist pay globally.
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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 pay for dentists across Canada. To recap some of the key points:
- Dentist salaries range widely from around $142,300 to $418,700 annually, depending on experience and specialization. The current average is approximately $182,838.
- 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
Here are 5 FAQs related to average dentist salaries in Canada:
How much does the average dentist make in Canada?
According to self-reported data, the average annual salary for dentists in Canada is $182,838 as of 2025. However, dentist salaries can range from $142,300 on the low end up to $418,700 per year for highly experienced specialists.
What factors impact how much dentists earn in Canada?
The main factors affecting dentist salaries are location, years of experience, specialty, practice model, education credentials, and demand/supply dynamics. Metro regions and provinces with higher costs of living tend to have higher pay. Experienced specialists earn 50% or more than general practitioners.
Where do dentists earn the highest salaries in Canada?
The highest-paying cities and provinces for dentists are generally Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Metro regions like Windsor, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Toronto offer the highest incomes currently based on reported data.
Why do some dentists earn so much more than others?
Specialist dentists who complete 3+ years of additional training in fields like orthodontics and oral surgery earn significantly higher salaries. Their advanced expertise and qualifications enable them to earn 50% or more than general dentists on average. Years of experience also boosts earnings substantially over time.
When do most dentists reach their peak earning potential?
Most dentists hit their peak earning years once they have between 10-20 years of experience practicing. During this mid-late career stage, average salaries range from $180,000 up to $393,300 for highly experienced veterans and specialists. New graduates earn around $125,000 while very experienced dentists can earn $150,000+.