How Much Do Dentists Make in the UK?

For those considering pursuing dentistry in the UK, understanding typical salaries is crucial in order to paint a realistic picture of your future. The income of dentists can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, specialization, and the nature of their practice. This article delves into these aspects to provide a comprehensive overview of what aspiring dentists can expect whilst practising in the UK.

Average Dentist Salary UK

As of 2025, the current data suggests that dentists are estimated to earn around £60,000 to £79,000 per year. Although this range comprises a wide array of positions, it is worth noting that what you make fluctuates based on the determinants we will explore now.

Experience

Your experience plays a vital role in deciding the pay bracket you fall into. With entry-level positions, such as the ones you would undertake in your foundation training, your earnings can be around £38,000 per annum. This figure is likely to increase as you climb up the career curve. In fact, after completing your foundation training, you can choose to be attached to a dental practice or begin dental core training in the NHS. As a core trainee, the base pay offer is between £50,000 to £60,000 yearly. This excludes any overtime hours you may work. Becoming a specialist trainee would equate to a higher pay that may exceed £60,000 per year.

Location

Here’s when your geography lessons come in handy. Urban cities tend to compensate for the inflated cost of living by offering higher salaries as a general trend. Conversely, regions that are not as densely populated may present with lower salaries, but provide benefits akin to lower competition and a more relaxed workspace. Aside from density, areas with a shortage of dentists could offer competitive salaries to expand their healthcare sector.

Specialisation

Specialist roles can be more complex, but they also come with higher pay, typically ranging from £80,000 to £100,000 per year. Specialties like orthodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry often come with higher pay because they are in high demand. Without a doubt, your investment in additional education and training time for these extra qualifications can lead to a substantial return in regard to your income.

NHS vs. Private Practice

Deciding whether to work in the NHS or in a private practice is a choice you make. However, this decision is bound to have an impact on your yearly income. With the concept of a structured pay scale, the NHS has salaried positions ranging from £50,500 to £108,000 per year. In private practice, building a loyal patient base can lead to higher earnings over time. However, it’s important to factor in the necessary expenses that come with running a private practice. These expenses can include facility costs, staff salaries, and any investments in equipment. Keeping in mind how substantial these are, they may offset the higher gross income that was initially present.

Dentists in Training

As a dentist trainee, you would be earning stipends that reflect your level of training. In the foundation period, which comprises your initial years of training, a pay reaching £38,000 per year is commonplace. When promoted to a core trainee post, an approximate salary of £49,000 per annum can be expected. Bearing in mind the knowledge and skills you acquire during the course of these programs, you pave a path for increased income in the future.

Consultants

After years of training and experience, becoming a consultant comes with a higher salary, ranging from from £99,000 to £130,000 per year. This reflects your expertise and the important responsibilities that come with the role. These include leading departments and mentoring junior dentists.

Do dentists in London earn more?

Being a major metropolitan city, dentists in London commonly earn more than practitioners in other parts of the UK. The elevated cost of living and the greater demand for dental services in London contribute to this. In view of these differences, your base salary may start at £79,000 and expand to £130,000 yearly as a consultant in the NHS. If attached to a private practice, your annual income may touch £170,000, or more if working in specialist care.

How do the dentist salaries UK compare to those of other countries?

When placed in comparison to other developed nations, the UK offers salaries that are middle range in this profession. For instance, practitioners in the US and Canada are paid around £150,000 and £170,000 per year respectively. In the US specialist care sector, £270,000 per year is the average. In comparison, countries like Germany offer salaries of up to £100,000 yearly. These salary differences are due to factors like healthcare systems, privatization, insurance structures, and the overall demand for dental services. It must also be noted that some countries may offer salaries that fall in a similar pay bracket as that of the UK, but yet result in a lower disposable income for UK dentists after deducting taxes and the cost of living, or vice versa.

Dental School Interview Tuition

Your journey from a dentist trainee to a consultant comes with many changes. Along the way, you’ll have great opportunities to increase your income while building a rewarding career. The first step to achieving your dreams starts with the right guidance, especially for cracking your dental school admission interviews. Refer to our Dental School Interview Tuition services for personalised support tailored to your needs.