How Much Do Dentists Make in Colorado? Your Guide to Dentist Salaries & Earning Potential in CO
Curious about dentist salaries in Colorado? This article breaks down what dentists really earn, where you’ll make the most, and the things that shape dentist pay across the state. Whether you dream of a dental career, want to move to Colorado, or just want to know how these tooth experts get paid, you’re in the right place!
Table of Contents
Why Read About Dentist Salaries in Colorado?
Maybe you want to become a dentist and wonder if all those years in dental school are worth it. Or maybe you’re already a dentist, planning to move your practice to sunny Colorado. Either way, knowing what you can earn—and why pay changes—lets you plan your career, pay off those loans, and take care of your family.
Why does this guide matter?
- Dentist pay in Colorado changes a lot based on where you work, what kind of dentist you are, and who your patients are.
- Dental jobs are growing fast. The need for dental care is going up.
- Money isn’t everything—but it helps! Knowing about money helps you make smart choices.
No matter if you’re picking classes for college or buying your own dental practice, let’s figure out dentist pay together.
What is the Average Dentist Salary in Colorado?
Let’s get right to it—here’s what most dentists get paid in Colorado:
| Dentist Type | Average Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Dentist (Statewide) | $185,000–$215,000 | $120,000–$300,000+ |
| Entry-Level Dentist | $120,000–$165,000 | $90,000–$185,000 |
| Mid-Career Dentist (5–9 years) | $180,000–$250,000 | $150,000–$280,000 |
| Experienced Dentist (10+ years) | $220,000–$350,000+ | $190,000–$500,000+ |
| Orthodontist (Specialist) | $280,000–$400,000+ | $200,000–$550,000+ |
| Oral Surgeon (Specialist) | $300,000–$500,000+ | $250,000–$650,000+ |
| Pediatric Dentist | $200,000–$300,000 | $170,000–$380,000 |
(Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, Payscale, ADA)
That’s a big difference! Why? Dentist salaries depend on specialty, experience, location, and even how many families live nearby. We’ll look closer at this next.
Why Does Dentist Pay Change So Much?
Problem: You search dentist pay and get fifteen different answers! Some new dentists only make $90,000 a year, while others earn half a million.
Worry: You may wonder—will I always earn less? How can I ever pay back my student loans or start my own dental ceramics lab?
Here’s what changes your pay:
- Experience: A dentist just out of school earns less. Over time, pay goes up.
- Specialty: Orthodontists and oral surgeons make more than regular dentists.
- Practice Type: Owners often earn more, but they have more costs too.
- Location: Dentists in Denver, Boulder, and other big cities usually earn more than in rural Colorado. But their costs are higher, too!
- Patient Numbers: More patients (or more insured patients) can mean more money.
Answer: By picking the right specialty, practice, and place to work, you can control your future income. Information helps you choose!
How Does Specialization Influence Income?
Not all dentists do the same thing. Some fix cavities. Others put on braces, care for kids, or do surgery.
- Orthodontist (braces): Around $280,000–$400,000+ per year.
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (jaw surgery, pulling teeth): $300,000–$500,000+ per year.
- Pediatric Dentist (kids’ teeth): $200,000–$300,000 per year.
- General Dentist (fillings, crowns): $185,000–$215,000 per year.
Why the difference?
- Specialists go to school a few more years, but it can pay off a lot.
- More need for specialists in big cities (like Denver or Boulder).
- Specialists also need good lab partners, like a top crown and bridge lab, to get great results for patients.
Is it worth extra years at school? Think about what you like, but remember: specialization almost always increases your pay.
Does Experience Matter for Dentist Salaries?
When you just finish school, you might start as an associate dentist. Expect $90,000–$165,000 to start in Colorado. That sounds good, but dental school debt is real!
As the years go by, dentists:
- Learn new things and get faster at work.
- Make connections with patients and other dentists.
- Get better pay or might buy their own practice.
With five to ten years of experience, dentist pay jumps to $180,000–$250,000 or more. If you keep going and maybe own your practice, you could earn $350,000—maybe even more!
So, stick with it. The dental job path rewards people who keep learning and working hard.
Is Practice Ownership or Employment Better?
This is a big question for lots of dentists. Should you own your practice or work for someone else?
Associate Dentist:
- Steady paycheck and maybe health care, paid days off.
- Less risk, no business headaches.
- Usually makes less than an owner, but no worry about bills.
Practice Owner:
- Makes more, sometimes from $250,000–$500,000+ each year.
- Pays for staff, equipment, rent, and insurance.
- Has more risk—but also gets more control and builds something of value.
Many dentists start as employees, save money, then buy or start their own place later. Others like being employees for a better work-life balance.
Tip: If you open your own office, you’ll want a good team—including a great digital dental lab to support your work.
Which Colorado Cities Pay the Most?
Pay isn’t just about your skills. Where you work matters a lot. Big cities usually pay more—sometimes a lot more—because living costs and competition are higher.
Here’s a quick look at average dentist pay in Colorado’s biggest cities:
| City/Area | General Dentist Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Metro | $195,000–$230,000 | $140,000–$320,000+ |
| Colorado Springs | $175,000–$210,000 | $130,000–$280,000+ |
| Boulder | $200,000–$240,000 | $150,000–$350,000+ |
| Fort Collins | $180,000–$220,000 | $130,000–$260,000+ |
| Aurora | $185,000–$225,000 | $140,000–$270,000+ |
Why does pay change?
- Big cities have more patients, higher fees, and sometimes bigger costs.
- Smaller cities may pay less, but have cheaper living.
Remember: Helping people and building a great team matters, too—not only your paycheck.
Can Dentists Earn More in Rural Areas?
You might be surprised, but some small-town dentists in Colorado actually keep more money than city dentists.
- Lower rent and costs mean owners keep more pay after bills.
- Less competition can bring loyal patients.
- Some rural spots offer special loan help if you work where there aren’t enough dentists.
But for some, there are trade-offs:
- Might not find advanced removable denture lab services nearby.
- Fewer dental experts to send patients to.
- You might do a little of everything!
If you like open spaces and want to make a difference, small-town dentistry might be for you.
How Can Dentists Boost Their Earnings?
Want to earn as much as you can? Here’s how:
Making friends with good labs like a zirconia lab can also help you offer more services—so your income can grow.
What Does the Dentist Job Market Look Like in Colorado?
The future looks good! Dentist jobs in Colorado are expected to grow about 10% in the next ten years. That’s faster than many other jobs.
- More people are moving in—so more need for dentists.
- Older adults still have their teeth, so they need regular check-ups.
- People care more about health, so they visit the dentist more.
That means lots of jobs and many chances to earn well. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a specialist, there are options everywhere.
Where Can You Find More Information?
Want to learn more? Try these trusted sites:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has a lot of details about dentist salaries and job forecasts.
- The Colorado Dental Association gives dental pros news, rules, and more.
- Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale compare Colorado dental pay by city, specialty, and experience.
- University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is where a lot of dentists train in Colorado.
You can also talk to local dentists, dental schools, or job brokers for real answers about your own goals.
Summary: Main Points to Remember
- Dentist pay in Colorado goes from $120,000 to over $500,000. It all depends on what you do, how long you’ve worked, and where you are.
- Specialists get paid more. Like orthodontists or oral surgeons.
- Experience really does matter. The longer you work, the more you usually get.
- Owning a practice can mean more money—but also more things to worry about.
- Big city dentists make more, but spend more. Rural dentists sometimes keep more of what they earn but might face other problems.
- Good training, reputation, and support—like having a strong relationship with a good china dental lab—can help you earn more.
- The dental job market in Colorado is strong. Jobs are open for both regular and specialized dentists.
Thinking about becoming a dentist in Colorado? The chances for a good-paying, fun career are wide open. With some careful planning and hard work, you can have a job that helps people smile every day—and pays you well, too!
References:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Colorado Dental Association (CDA)
- Salary.com, Payscale, Indeed, Glassdoor
- University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Keep asking questions, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to chase your dreams—whether you want to work in a busy city or help people smile in a small Colorado town!
