Key Takeaways
- As of May 2023, there were 200,740 active dentists employed in the United States.
- In 2022, approximately 7.1% of U.S. dentists were over the age of 65, indicating a significant portion nearing retirement.
- Women comprised 35.3% of all active dentists in the U.S. in 2022, up from 27.8% in 2012.
- The average U.S. dental school graduate in 2023 had $301,583 in student debt.
- U.S. dental school enrollment reached 26,000 students in 2022.
- It takes 8 years post-high school to become a dentist in the U.S., including 4 years dental school.
- Median annual wage for U.S. dentists was $160,370 in May 2023.
- General dentists earned a mean $171,550 annually in 2023.
- Top 10% of U.S. dentists earned over $239,200 per year in 2023.
- Dental DSOs grew 13% in 2023, managing 10% practices.
- Tele-dentistry visits surged 300% since 2020.
- AI diagnostic tools adopted by 22% of U.S. practices in 2023.
- In 2023, 72 million U.S. adults had at least one dental visit.
- Average U.S. dentist sees 1,200 patients per year.
- 90% of dental practices offer preventive care like cleanings.
The US has about 200,740 active dentists, but an aging workforce and rural shortages signal a coming access gap.
Demographics and Workforce
Demographics and Workforce Interpretation
Education and Training
Education and Training Interpretation
Employment and Earnings
Employment and Earnings Interpretation
Industry Trends and Health Impacts
Industry Trends and Health Impacts Interpretation
Practice and Patient Care
Practice and Patient Care Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). Dentist Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/dentist-statistics
Karl Becker. "Dentist Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/dentist-statistics.
Karl Becker. 2026. "Dentist Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/dentist-statistics.
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