Dentistry is one of the most respected and paid branches of medicine in Australia which is famous for its decent wages and promising employment. However, the income of a dentist is not uniform and depends on several aspects that affect its generation.
Elements like the level of experience, geographical location, specialization, or the type of workplace where the dentist works can influence how much he or she is paid.
It is important to understand those factors if a person is planning for a career in dentistry or is interested to know how much dentists earn.
In this blog, we will further discuss the major factors that contribute to the salary of a dentist in Australia so that you are directed towards a well-paid profession in this field.
Factors Determining The Salary of a Dentist In Australia
Many factors determine the salary of a dentist in Australia. Knowledge of these elements would be paramount to any individual who aims to pursue a career in dentistry or any person who intends to advance in one’s career in the said specialties.
Below are the main factors that affect a dentist’s salary in Australia:
- Experience and Qualifications
Dental professionals earn better salaries depending on the years they have practiced. New dentists earn lower wages, while those in the mid and late-career industry earn higher wages.
Furthermore, qualified dentists who have received extra training or specialized in various areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, etc usually earn more due to their qualifications and years of study.
- Location
That meant that their salaries differed from one geographical area to another. Dental practitioners practicing in Sydney and Melbourne earn more because they spend more on basic needs and have more clients. On the other hand, rural and remote regions tend to pay more or provide incentives to acquire talent since there is a lack of dentists.
- Type of Practice
It does count where a dentist calls home. It was also found that dentists who work in private practices tend to be paid more than those in public clinics. Private practice owners have higher income prospects because they set fees and retain profits. Public health dentists earn a steady income but less than what their peers in the private practice earn.
- Specialization
Orthodontists, Prosthodontists, and Oral surgeons tend to earn more than general dentists because of their specialized training. Accompanying specialization takes yet more years of study; nevertheless, the elevated demand for such services results in better remuneration.
- Work Hours
Young adult patients of full-time dentists have higher demand and appointment frequency than patients of part-time or locum dentists. Flexible employment can be seen in part-time jobs, however, this results in lower wages.
Salary of a dentist in Australia 2025
The average annual salary for a dentist in Australia is approximately $145,884.
Entry-level dentists can expect to start at around $119,532 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to $200,000 annually.
Salaries can vary by location. For example:
- Rockhampton, QLD: $162,767 per year
- Perth, WA: $159,418 per year
- Gold Coast, QLD: $156,221 per year
Source: Indeed Australia
In Brisbane, dentist salaries typically range from $160,000 to $180,000 annually.
Graduate dentists can anticipate starting salaries between $125,000 and $165,000.
Please note that these figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of practice.
If you’ve found the article “Salary of an dentist in Australia” helpful, you might also be interested in exploring “Salary of a Paramedic in Australia“ or “Salary of a Pharmacist in Australia.” These articles provide detailed insights into salaries, job demand, and career opportunities in these professions. Don’t forget to check them out to make informed career decisions!
Conclusion
Inherent factors that affect the salary of a dentist in Australia include; years of experience, area of employment, specialty, practice type, and working hours. Knowledge of these elements is of paramount importance for those who planning to start or further their dental career. Such considerations will help dental students to make a wise decisions that will help them to earn good money in this honorable profession.