Depending on your perspective, who makes more money – the doctor or the dentist? You might be surprised to find out that dentists make more money than doctors, despite the fact that they are paid more than other professionals.
Physicians
It’s not surprising that dentists and doctors are both part of the medical profession. But which specialty makes the most money?
Doximity, an American professional medical network, conducted a survey with over 40,000 US doctors to determine which ones earned the most. The top three specialties were ranked in the study. Plastic surgery was the most lucrative specialty in terms compensation.
While plastic surgery isn’t the first thing to come to mind when discussing the best-paying specialty, it is a good sign that the specialty has finally caught up to the doctor’s in terms of pay.
The survey also reported that the top 25 percent of dentists made $208,000 per year. That’s $122,000 more than the average dentist in the United States.
The top three best-paying specialties include plastic surgery, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology. These specialties all saw an increase in year-over-year earnings.
There’s no doubt that becoming a doctor is expensive. The average medical student loan is $215,000. If you want to work in a hospital, then you will need to meet certain compensation standards.
However, private practice will give you a better chance of earning a steady income. The average physician makes $320,000 per year. This is more than you would expect for your medical career. But it also comes with a lot stress and pressure.
The gender pay gap isn’t changing much in the past decade. And while it is possible to make more money in some countries, the United States does actually pay better than Australia in 2011.
In the ten states with the best-paying physicians, the top four are Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, and Indiana.
Dentists
Doctors and dentists can make quite a bit of money, contrary to what you might think. The median annual salary for doctors is around $208,000. This is a lot higher than the US average salary of $957 per semaine.
In the last 20 years, the average dentist has seen his or her salary increase by more than twice. During the same period, the average physician’s income increased by 42%.
Doctors and dentists both spend hours looking into the mouths of their patients. However, dentists earn more money than doctors. This is due to the high cost of materials and labs.
Before being allowed to practice medicine, doctors have to complete years of medical school. Doctors have more options than dentists. They could be general practitioners or specialists.
Although doctors and dentists share the same skill set, their earnings are different. The average US dentist earns more than the average US doctor.
According to the US Department of Labor, the average national salary for a general dentist is $178.260. This number may vary depending on how many offices are involved and the size of the practice.
While doctors and dentists may earn the same amount of money, dentists have more job security and can choose the hours they work. An average dentist spends 40 hours a week caring for patients’ teeth. However, the average doctor spends a fraction of that.
Dentists have a higher rate of depression than doctors. The dentist’s most sexy accomplishments are not necessarily the best reason to be a dentist.
Even though they are not paid well, dentists enjoy many other benefits than other health care professionals. One example is that dentists can open their own practice.
Dentistry is the most highly-paid dental specialty
High-paying jobs in dentistry can have a significant impact on the amount you make. Different areas of dentistry require different education and training. Dental specialists must be able to communicate with patients and have a deep understanding of patient information.
You can choose to work as a dentist in a private or public practice. Some dentists prefer to own their own practice. In addition to practicing dentistry, dental specialists can conduct research and work for government healthcare systems or private businesses.
Dentists’ salaries vary depending on the location where they practice, the number of hours they work, and their specialty. Dentists who practice in a rural area can earn less than those who work in urban areas. But, dentists generally have good incomes.
Some of the highest-paying dental specialties include endodontics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. These professions require years of training, certification, and dedication. Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires a four year bachelor’s program followed by a four to six-year residency program. In addition, surgeons must submit proof of their training and certification.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery can also be specialized in complex oral cancer treatments, cosmetic surgery, and facial injuries. Oral and maxillofacial doctors can also earn a medical degree in addition to their dental degree.
Some of the other dental specialties that have higher salaries than others include prosthodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and dental anesthesiology. In addition, dental oncology requires a four-to-six-year degree program and continued education.
Dentists can earn high salaries but also have a rewarding job. As the population ages, so will the demand for dentists. Research has also shown that oral health is linked to overall health. A dental specialty can allow you to stay on the cutting edge in dental technology.