Trends in dentists' income, revenue and hours worked

The latest data analyzed by the ADA Health Policy Institute indicate that general practitioner (GP) dentists’ incomes have decreased in recent years due to growing practice expenses and decreasing revenue. In 2024, according to HPI’s Survey of Dental Practice results, GP dentists’ average annual income was $207,980. 

Access the summary report released in November 2025 below for full results as well as HPI's 2024 Survey of Dental Practice data report.

• Trends in dentists’ income, revenue and hours worked – summary of results slide deck (PDF)
• Income, gross billings, expenses, characteristics – 2024 results – Survey of Dental Practice report (XLSX)

Read on for additional highlights in the report.

The gender income gap among GP dentists has narrowed in recent years, though male dentists, on average, still have higher incomes than female dentists. The income gap between owner and employee or associate dentists is narrowing over time as well.

GP dentists are working slightly more hours each week due to extra time spent on non-clinical duties. 

The gender gap in hours worked has narrowed considerably among GP dentists. Female dentists, on average, work 2% fewer hours than their male counterparts as of 2024, a much smaller gap than a decade earlier. 

Owner dentists work an average 5 hours more per week than employee or associate dentists. The increase in hours may be partly attributable to financial pressures stemming from decreasing practice revenue.