How Much Does A Dentist Earn UK?

Find out how much dentists earn in the UK, what qualifications are required, specialisations, salary bands, and top companies to work for.

How Much Does a Dentist Earn in the UK? Salary, Career Path & Training Guide

Dentists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat issues related to teeth, gums, and oral health. They play a crucial role in patient care—from routine checkups and fillings to more complex treatments like root canals and crowns. It's a career with high responsibility and equally high earning potential.

This guide breaks down how much dentists earn in the UK, what it takes to become one, the different career levels, specialisms, and where the best dental jobs are.

Job Description: What Do Dentists Do?

Dentists provide preventive and restorative dental care, treating conditions of the mouth, teeth and jaw. They work in NHS or private practices, hospitals, or corporate healthcare settings.

Responsibilities:

  • Conducting oral examinations and diagnosing dental issues

  • Performing treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions

  • Advising patients on oral hygiene and care

  • Managing dental records and treatment plans

  • Administering local anaesthetics and sedation

  • Supervising dental nurses, hygienists and junior staff

  • Staying up to date with CPD and regulatory guidelines

How Hard Is It to Become a Dentist?

Very. Dentistry is academically demanding, and competition for university places is intense. You’ll need high A-levels (usually AAA in sciences), a strong UCAT score, and 5 years at dental school.

However, once qualified, dentistry offers stable employment and strong earning potential.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Precision, patience and attention to detail

  • Calmness under pressure, especially with nervous patients

  • Problem-solving ability

  • Professionalism and confidentiality

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes, dentistry is a regulated healthcare profession.

Route to becoming a dentist:

  1. A-Levels (typically AAA in Chemistry and Biology)

  2. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS/BChD) – 5 years

  3. Dental Foundation Training (DFT) – 1 year supervised practice

  4. Register with the General Dental Council (GDC)

Some may take a 4-year accelerated graduate programme if they already hold a science degree.

Career Levels and Specialisations

Dental Student - 5-year university programme

Foundation Dentist (DFT) - 1-year paid placement post-qualification

General Dentist - Works in NHS or private practice

Practice Principal - Owns or runs a dental practice

Specialist Dentist - Trained in orthodontics, oral surgery, etc.

Consultant (Hospital) - Advanced NHS role, academic or surgical focus

Dental Specialisations:

  • Orthodontics – braces and jaw alignment

  • Oral Surgery – extractions, implants, minor procedures

  • Endodontics – root canal therapy

  • Periodontics – gum treatment and bone support

  • Paediatric Dentistry – children’s oral health

  • Prosthodontics – dentures, crowns and bridges

  • Dental Public Health / Research / Education

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Work experience in a dental practice for your university application

  • Foundation year (DFT) to practice independently

  • Years of patient-facing work to develop speed and confidence

  • Further qualifications (PGCert, MSc, MClinDent) for specialisms

Benefits of Being a Dentist

  • High earning potential, especially privately

  • Job security with NHS or private patients

  • Ability to own your own practice

  • Structured workdays and routine schedules

  • Respected profession with room for growth

  • Opportunities to specialise or teach

  • High demand across the UK and internationally

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • High student debt—training is expensive and long

  • Physically demanding – strain on back, neck, eyes

  • Pressure and performance expectations

  • Regulatory responsibility (GDC compliance, indemnity cover)

  • Difficult patients – fear, late payments, complaints

  • Stress from clinical or business workload

Dentist Salary Levels in the UK

Foundation Dentist (DFT) - £34,000 – £35,000

NHS Associate Dentist - £45,000 – £85,000

Private Dentist - £70,000 – £150,000+

Specialist / Consultant - £85,000 – £120,000+

Practice Owner - £120,000 – £250,000+

Tax Example (Private dentist earning £100,000):

  • Income Tax: ~£23,432

  • National Insurance: ~£5,732

  • Take-home pay: ~£70,836/year or £1,362/week

Self-employed dentists deduct expenses (materials, lab fees, staff wages, rent, insurance) to reduce tax.

What Factors Affect Dentist Salary?

  • NHS vs private – private pays significantly more

  • Experience and speed – more patients = more income

  • Location – rural areas offer NHS recruitment bonuses

  • Specialisation – orthodontists and implantologists earn more

  • Ownership – running your own practice boosts income

  • Number of clinical days – 3–5 day weeks are common

  • Type of treatments offered – cosmetic = premium

What’s the Future for Dentists?

Very strong. The UK faces a shortage of NHS dentists, while cosmetic and private dentistry are booming.

Trends include:

  • Growth in cosmetic treatments (veneers, whitening, aligners)

  • Digital dentistry – 3D printing, intraoral scanning

  • Rise in remote consultations and AI diagnostics

  • Expansion of corporate and group practices

  • Increased focus on oral-systemic health links (e.g. gum health & heart disease)

Best Companies & Employers for Dentists (UK)

Bupa Dental Care - NHS and private mix, strong benefits

MyDentist - National chain, varied roles

Rodericks Dental - Growth-focused, education support

Portman Dental Care - Private-led, premium care

Dental Partners - Clinical autonomy and mixed practices

NHS Foundation Trusts - Hospital consultants and oral surgeons

Dental Schools / Universities - Academic and training careers

Self-employed / Practice Owner - Highest earning potential

Final Thought

Dentistry is a science-led, people-focused career offering stability, prestige, and strong earning potential—especially for those who go private or own practices. While the training path is long and the pressure real, the financial and personal rewards are significant.