While the average 4-year dental program could run you around $400,000 with all expenses included, the career trajectory is promising. Average dentist salaries outrank various other industries, putting newly graduated dentists in a fairly sound financial position.
Despite competitive salaries, the average dental student graduates with around $300,000 in student debt. While daunting, the significant earning potential makes you a great candidate for student loan refinancing.
Student loan refinancing can save you thousands, sometimes even tens of thousands, of dollars over the life of your loan, while also helping you pay off your student debt faster.
Let’s learn more about the average dentist salary, both by state and speciality, and how you save thousands by refinancing your dental school loans.
Average Dentist Salaries By State in 2022
According to ZipRecruiter, the average dentist salary is $172,328 in the United States. However, similar to many other industries, the average salary varies significantly by state.
State
Average Annual Salary
Average Hourly Wage
Alabama
$136,021
$65.30
Alaska
$181,591
$87.30
Arizona
$155,451
$74.74
Arkansas
$158,376
$76.14
California
$162,841
$78.30
Colorado
$161,289
$77.54
Connecticut
$156,262
$75.13
Delaware
$163,128
$78.43
Florida
$132,191
$63.55
Georgia
$126,446
$58.59
Hawaii
$191,620
$92.13
Idaho
$161,924
$77.85
Illinois
$151,073
$72.63
Indiana
$149,400
$71.83
Iowa
$143,042
$68.77
Kansas
$164,718
$79.19
Kentucky
$154,002
$74.04
Louisiana
$121,872
$58.59
Maine
$153,137
$73.62
Maryland
$171,369
$82.39
Massachusetts
$189,612
$91.16
Michigan
$154,888
$74.47
Minnesota
$150,896
$72.55
Mississippi
$162,569
$78.16
Missouri
$147,227
$70.78
Montana
$156,848
$75.41
Nebraska
$162,841
$78.29
Nevada
$189,434
$91.07
New Hampshire
$164,088
$78.89
New Jersey
$157,906
$75.92
New Mexico
$137,189
$65.96
New York
$174,327
$83.81
North Carolina
$134,573
$64.70
North Dakota
$180,299
$86.68
Ohio
$143,233
$68.86
Oklahoma
$153,828
$73.96
Oregon
$182,096
$87.55
Pennsylvania
$144,297
$69.37
Rhode Island
$185,435
$89.15
South Carolina
$160,215
$77.03
South Dakota
$170,905
$82.17
Tennessee
$155,513
$74.77
Texas
$143,183
$68.84
Utah
$141,218
$67.89
Vermont
$161,517
$77.65
Virginia
$166,782
$80.18
Washington
$178,344
$85.74
West Virginia
$147,568
$70.95
Wisconsin
$143,486
$68.98
Wyoming
$152,992
$73.55
Average Dentist Salaries By Specialty in 2022
Similarly to state discrepancies, dentist salaries vary significantly by specialty. For example, while public health dentists make an average $102,320 per year, periodontists make a whopping $374,400 per year.
Keep in mind that these numbers are simply averages — there are dental professionals who make significantly more and significantly less.
Specialty
Average Salary
General Dentist
$167,160
Endodontist
$304,205
Prosthodontist
$143,730
Periodontist
$374,400
Orthodontist
$267,280
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
$311,460
Dental Anesthesiologist
$241,505
Public Health Dentist
$102,320
Dental Hygienist
$81,360
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Comparably.
Is Being a Dentist Worth It?
Whether a career in dentistry is worth it is ultimately up to you. However, being a dentist is both a high-paying and growing career — two factors many job seekers heavily consider.
In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that employment of dentists is expected to rise 8% between 2020 and 2030. This is on par with the average for all occupations.
Here’s a few other statistics to consider:
- Only 29% of dentists plan to look for a new job this year.*
- Only 18% of dentists work more than 40 hours per week.*
- Nearly 22% of dentists work less than 21 hours per week.*
*Data from DentalPost.
Why Dentists Should Consider Student Loan Refinancing
The average dental student takes on nearly $300,000 in dental school debt. Combine that with the average private student loan interest rate of around 7% and a 15-year repayment term, and you’re looking at monthly payments of around $2,696. By the end of the repayment term, you will have paid roughly $485,367 — nearly $200,000 more than what you initially borrowed.
With such a large balance, the amount owed will grow fairly quickly, making your interest rate that much more important. This is precisely why dentists should consider student loan refinancing. Refinancing can help lower that interest rate, saving you thousands over the life of your loan.
Borrowers who use Sparrow to refinance reduce their interest rate by 2.29 percentage points, on average. In this same scenario, a 2.29 percent interest rate reduction would save you $369 on your monthly payments and $66,451 over the life of the loan.
Note that this interest rate reduction is only the average. As a dentist, your salary makes you a more competitive candidate for refinancing as lenders will view you as financially able to pay off your debt. Thus, you may score an even greater interest rate reduction when you refinance your dental school debt with Sparrow.
What Dentists Should Look for in a Refinance Loan
When looking for a lender to refinance your dental school debt with, you should consider the following factors:
- Interest rate
- Borrowing limit
- Loan terms
Interest Rate
The purpose of refinancing is to save money, which is primarily done through a lower interest rate. Before agreeing to a refinance loan, be sure to compare loan options to see what interest rates you qualify for.
To compare refinance loans with 15+ lenders in one application, complete the Sparrow application.
Borrowing Limit
Due to the amount of student loan debt you may hold as a dentist, you’ll need to find a lender with a higher borrowing limit. For example, some lenders may allow you to refinance up to $500,000 while others may only allow up to $100,000.
If you plan to refinance the entirety of what you owe, make sure the lender you decide to work with will allow you to refinance your whole outstanding balance.
Loan Terms
Oftentimes, refinancing will allow you to extend your loan term. Extending your loan term will often lead you to pay more over the life of your loan, however, it can lower your monthly payments.
If your goal with refinancing is to lower your monthly payment, look for a lender that allows for a longer repayment term than what you currently have.
Best Student Loan Refinancing Options for Dentists
The best refinance loan will ultimately be the one that provides you with the best interest rate and terms. However, the following are our top picks for refinance loans for dentists, in order of borrowing limit from highest to lowest.
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
If you want to skip pre-qualification and apply directly with a lender, you can do so by clicking Apply below.
Brazos
Brazos is a non-profit lender that offers private student loans and student loan refinancing for Texas residents. While Brazos student loan refinancing is only available to Texas residents, the non-profit lender offers competitive rates and flexible terms to those who qualify. It’s best if you are a Texas resident with at least a bachelor’s degree and have an established income and strong credit.
Note: You are not required to have graduated from a Texas school in order to qualify.
College Ave
College Ave offers both private student loans and student loan refinancing with competitive rates, flexible repayment terms, and strong customer service. College Ave’s student loan refinance offering is best if you are seeking a more flexible repayment term that allows you to find a loan that matches your budget.
ISL Education Lending
ISL Education Lending is a nonprofit student lender offering both private student loans and student loan refinancing. ISL Education Lending refinance loans are best if you want to work with a nonprofit lender, want competitive interest rates, or want to refinance if you did not finish your dental degree.
LendKey
LendKey offers both private student loans and student loan refinancing. By connecting you with a network of 100+ lesser-known credit unions and community banks, LendKey allows you to work with smaller lenders with low rates and good customer service, rather than traditional lending institutions. LendKey’s student loan refinance offering is best if you want to work with a credit union or community bank to access loan offers you otherwise might have overlooked.
Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA)
The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) is an Arkansas state entity that provides both private student loans and student loan refinancing for Arkansas students and graduates.
While ASLA’s student loan refinancing is only available to Arkansas residents or students who attended a school in Arkansas, they do offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms to those who qualify. ASLA is best if you are an Arkansas resident or attended a school in Arkansas and want flexible repayment options.
INvestED
INvestED offers private student loans, parent loans, and student loan refinancing for residents of Indiana and students who attended a school in Indiana. INvestED’s student loan refinance offering is best if you are a resident of Indiana or student who attended school in Indiana seeking competitive interest rates, a variety of repayment options, and a flexible repayment option.
Nelnet Bank
Nelnet Bank offers both private student loans and student loan refinancing. Nelnet Bank’s student loan refinance offering is best if you are seeking competitive rates, a flexible forbearance policy, and the ability to refinance both private and/or federal student loans, including parent PLUS Loans.
Student loan rates from our partners
Ascent
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 12/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 12/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
LendKey
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
Earnest
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
College Ave
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 12/2/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Final Thoughts from the Nest
As a dentist, it’s fairly common to wind up with $300,000 in student loan debt. While it may feel overwhelming, the average dentist salary is high, which can help you pay off your student debt more easily.
Finding a state and specialty that provides you with a solid salary is a good start. If you find that your loan debt is still overwhelming, consider student loan refinancing with Sparrow. With Sparrow, you can see what rates you pre-qualify for with 15+ premier lenders ready to help you.
Sparrow’s goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available