The world of dentistry has evolved significantly in the past few decades. Now, dentists have the opportunity to specialize in different fields, from pediatric to orthodontics, dental implants, and maxillofacial surgery. 

As a dental student or a practicing dentist, you might wonder which dental specialty yields the most significant income or how to choose one that aligns with your skills and interests.

In this blog post, we will discuss the 7 top-paid dental specialties worldwide and how to weigh your options and make an informed decision.

How to Choose a Dental Specialty

Before diving into the highest-paid dental specialties, let's briefly go over the crucial steps to selecting the right specialty for you. 

Consider the Country

Firstly, consider the country in which you live or wish to practice dentistry. Different countries have different demands and expectations for certain specialties, which will influence your career prospects. Also, consider the extent of education you are willing to commit to and your individual passions when making your decision.

Research, Research, and Research

The second step is to research the various dental specialties available and their earning potential. Some specialties are higher in demand and pay better than others, but this is not a hard and fast rule. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each specialty and assess which one resonates with you. 

Assess Your Passion

Finally, assess your personal passions, talents, and career goals. In the end, you want to find a specialty that aligns with your interests and allows you to grow personally and professionally. For example, if you lack the patience to work with anxious or emotional children, it's best to steer clear of pediatric dentistry as a career path.

7 Top-Paid Dental Specialties Worldwide

Now that you have a general idea of how to choose the right dental specialty, let's dive into the top-paid dental specialties worldwide. 

For this piece, we will sort the specialties by the United States annual salaries, from the highest paid to the lowest.

1. Dental Anesthesiologist

Salary: $256,000 - 460,000 

The mastermind behind pain-free dentistry, the dental anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to patients and manages their vital signs during dental procedures, ensuring their comfort and safety. 

It's the highest-paid dental specialty in the United States and requires extra training and degrees in anesthesia. However, it is not a widespread specialty, and the demand can vary depending on the country.

2. Maxillofacial Surgeon

Salary: $267,000 - $440,000 

The masters of the craniofacial complex go above and beyond, specializing in intricate surgeries of the face, neck, jaw, and teeth. They tackle a wide range of issues, from treating diseases and injuries to correcting deformities. 

Their expertise demands an additional four to six years of residency training on top of their bachelor's degree. This extensive education allows them to perform highly specialized procedures that improve both function and aesthetics.

3. Orthodontist

Salary: $175,000 - $357,000 

Their role is to deal with correcting dental problems associated with tooth and jaw alignment, like dental crowding, excessive proclination, and dental spacings. This specialty requires a two to three years residency program in addition to the dental degree. Orthodontists' demands can vary depending on the country.

4. Prosthodontist and Implantologist

Salary: $146,000 - $355,000 

They specialize in restoration, tooth replacement, and implant placement. Both specialties require advanced training in restorative dentistry, prosthetics, and implant surgery. They are considered among the most important and highly needed specialties.

5. Pedodontist

Salary: $193,000 - $294,000 

Pedodontics focuses on treating dental problems in children. This specialty requires an extra two to three years of training, focusing on child behavior, growth, and development. Of course, you need to be chill to choose this specialty.

6. Endodontist

Salary: $162,000 - $286,000 

Those who deal with treating the pulp and roots of teeth, such as root canals. It requires extra training in endodontic-specific procedures, such as performing endo surgeries, ledge by-pass, and file retrievals.

7. Periodontist

Salary: $119,000 - $259,000 

Periodontics deals with treating and diagnosing gum and bone disease. It requires extra training in gum surgery, bone grafting, and complicated cases of dental implants.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dental specialty is essential for your career prospects, income, and fulfillment. 

While the earning potential is a significant factor, you should weigh it against other factors such as demand, personal fulfillment, and career goals. Ultimately, the right dental specialty for you is the one that allows you to become an expert in your field while doing what you love most.