How Much Do Dentists Make in Thailand? (2024 Income Guide)
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of money dentists earn in Thailand—and whether it’s worth chasing that dream job—this is the guide for you. I’m breaking down how much dentists actually make, what affects their salaries, and how those paychecks compare to the cost of living. You’ll discover the ups and downs of a dental career in Thailand, whether you’re new to dentistry, a specialist, or even an expat thinking of making the big move.
Table of Contents
Why Do People Want to Know Dentist Salaries in Thailand?
Dentistry in Thailand is seen by many as a smart career move. People want to know about dentist pay in Thailand for a few big reasons:
- Career Planning: Maybe you’re thinking about going to dental school and you want to be sure all those years of studying will pay off.
- Thinking of Moving: If you’re a dentist in another place, you might wonder if moving to Thailand means less or more money.
- Money Goals: People want to know if dentists in Thailand can live well, support a family, or even start their own clinic.
- School Costs: Let’s be honest—dental school costs a lot. Is it really worth it?
The real question isn’t just, “How much do dentists make?” but, “Is it enough for the work, the cost of living, and the skills you need?”
What Is the Average Dentist Salary in Thailand?
Let’s jump right into the numbers. Dentists in Thailand get paid different amounts based on where they work, how long they’ve been doing it, and what kind of dentist they are.
| Position | Experience Level | Monthly Income (THB) | Annual Income (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Dentist | Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | 30,000 – 70,000 | 360,000 – 840,000 | Public hospitals start lower; private clinics start higher. |
| General Dentist | Mid-career (3–7 yrs) | 60,000 – 120,000 | 720,000 – 1,440,000 | More experience and patients, higher pay. |
| General Dentist | Senior (8+ yrs) | 80,000 – 180,000+ | 960,000 – 2,160,000+ | Big boost from loyal patients or management roles. |
| Clinic Owner | Highly Experienced | 200,000 – 500,000+ | 2,400,000 – 6,000,000+ | Income changes a lot; big reward, big job. |
What do these numbers really mean?
Most general dentists in Thailand make way more than the country’s normal salary. That means dentists usually live better than people in other jobs.
What Things Affect Dentist Income in Thailand?
It’s not just luck—a lot of things change how much a dentist puts in the bank:
- New dentists often start in public hospitals with the lowest pay. They get experience before moving to better private jobs.
- Experienced dentists get paid better, especially with more regular patients.
- Dentists who do extra training—like for braces, surgery, or making dentures—get paid more. These skills are needed, especially in bigger cities.
- Public Hospital Dentists: Usually get set pay and some benefits. Lower money, but safe and steady.
- Private Clinics or Own Practice: How much you make depends on your patients, what you do, and if you run the clinic well. If you’re great, the pay can be really good.
- Working in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket? You’ll make more money, but you’ll also spend more on rent and food.
- In the countryside, the pay is less but so is daily life.
- Dentists who see lots of people, advertise a bit, or run their office smartly earn more.
- Some clinics have many patients from other countries. Dentists there can get bonuses, especially if they can talk in English or other languages.
- Non-Thai dentists have to get extra licenses. If they can do it, some clinics pay well, mostly for expat customers.
How Much Do Specialist Dentists Get Paid?
If you learn a special skill, your money can get a nice boost. Here’s what it looks like for popular dental specialties:
| Specialization | Monthly Income (THB) | Annual Income (THB) | Where They Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodontist | 100,000 – 300,000+ | 1,200,000 – 3,600,000+ | High-end private clinics, cities |
| Oral Surgeon | 120,000 – 350,000+ | 1,440,000 – 4,200,000+ | Hospitals, dental clinics |
| Pediatric Dentist | 80,000 – 200,000+ | 960,000 – 2,400,000+ | Family and kids’ clinics |
| Endodontist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist | 100,000 – 250,000+ | 1,200,000 – 3,000,000+ | City clinics, universities |
Specialists are wanted, especially for advanced jobs:
Let’s say you focus on braces or dental implants. More people in Thailand (and tourists) want these now. If you’re at a place like china dental lab, which works with top Thai clinics, you’ll see specialists have full calendars. That means better money.
Where Can Dentists Earn the Most in Thailand?
Location really matters! Here’s the lowdown:
- Bangkok: Biggest pay, most patients, but lots of other dentists. Living there costs a lot, but you can also see plenty of people and dental tourists.
- Chiang Mai & Phuket: Just under Bangkok for pay but packed with expats, travelers, and a growing money-making group. Nice place to balance life and work.
- Pattaya & Other Tourist Places: Good shot at extra money from people visiting Thailand for good, cheap dental care.
- Countryside: Lower pay, but way cheaper to live. Maybe slower and quieter—sometimes you might be one of not many dentists there.
Once, I visited a dental lab in Chiang Mai and saw lots of busy dentists and many happy patients coming in for different treatments.
Is Dentistry a Good Job in Thailand?
Let’s use the PAS system (Problem, Agitate, Solution):
Problem: You want a job that brings good money, feels safe, and helps people—but you don’t want to spend years and money on school for not much pay.
Agitate: Imagine spending six years in dental school only to find out your pay barely covers rent. Or, being stuck in a small town where no one notices your hard work. If you’re from another country, you might worry about hard exams and not knowing Thai ways.
Solution: Working as a dentist in Thailand is a respectful, trusted, and good-paying job for most who finish school—especially if you keep learning, get a specialty, or start your own place. Many live well, support families, and travel.
So: With the right moves, being a dentist in Thailand can give you a nice life and a career you’re proud of.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare to Dentist Salaries?
Thailand is famous for cheap living. But living in the city can cost a lot more.
- Average Cost in Bangkok: A single person can live pretty well on 30,000–50,000 THB/month (place to stay, food, and travel).
- Dentist Pay: General dentists in private clinics can make 70,000–150,000 THB/month and up.
Is it enough to live well?
Yes. Dentists can usually afford nice places, good food, holidays, and save money too. If you run the clinic, you can do even better. For a closer look at spending and saving, check out dental problems for tips on why healthy teeth save cash too.
Can Foreign Dentists Work in Thailand?
Yes, but it’s not simple. Here’s how it works:
- Getting Your Degree Accepted: Your dental degree has to be okay with the Thai Dental Council.
- Speaking Thai: You have to pass tests in Thai and sometimes take more exams.
- Rules for Work Permits: Foreigners mostly work in private or tourism clinics, and getting a permit is hard.
- Where to Try? Clinics for tourists or expats may hire dentists trained outside Thailand. The pay may be better, but the rules are tough—and knowing Thai helps a lot.
Bottom line: It’s possible, but you’ll need patience and to learn Thai.
What’s the Future Like for Dentists in Thailand?
The future looks good for dentists! Here’s why:
- More people with good jobs: More Thais can now pay for dental care, braces, or even perfect-looking smiles.
- Older people: Older Thais need more dental care.
- Dental tourism: Thailand brings in lots of people from abroad for implants, veneers, and smile fixes. Top dental labs like veneer lab and implant dental laboratory give world-level results.
- New Technology: New tech, like 3D printing at dental labs, makes advanced work faster and brings in good money for skilled dentists.
So, if you want a future-safe job, dentistry in Thailand looks pretty solid.
How Can Dentists Make More Money in Thailand?
Being clever with your skills and how you run things helps a lot. Here’s how:
- Specialize: More training means you can charge higher fees and get better jobs.
- Own a Clinic: Owning or buying your clinic opens the door to more money, even after paying the bills.
- Work with Tourists: See lots of international patients, many want implants, veneers, and more.
- Learn Business Stuff: From keeping records on a computer to telling everyone about your clinic, doing these right means more people and less hassle.
- Work with Good Labs: Picking a good dental lab for crowns or digital work makes your job faster, easier, and patients happier.
You can be the best dentist, but if no one knows you or your dental work takes forever, you’ll earn a lot less!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does dental school take in Thailand?
A: Usually six years, with study and hands-on practice.
Q: Can dentists in Thailand get rich?
A: It all depends on your skill, where you work, and if you run a clinic. Top specialists and clinic owners can do very well.
Q: Is there a shortage of dentists in Thailand?
A: Not in big cities—it’s crowded. But out in the countryside, they need dentists.
Q: Do dentists pay a lot of tax in Thailand?
A: Taxes are there, but business costs can lower your tax bill.
Q: What’s popular in dental care now?
A: Implants, clear aligners, making smiles look better, and new tech like digital smile design.
Main Points to Remember
- Dentist salaries in Thailand are way higher than the average, especially for those in private clinics or with extra skills.
- Where and how you work matters. Dentists in cities and those with specialties do better, but good business sense can help anyone make more.
- Life in Thailand is not too costly, so most dentists live comfortably.
- Foreign dentists face lots of steps but can do well with tourist patients.
- Working with good dental labs that offer new tech helps both your work and your pay.
Thinking about your next step in dentistry? With the right moves and the right friends, working as a dentist in Thailand could mean a happy and comfy future.
Want to read more? Check these out for help with labs and growing your dental clinic in Thailand:
References: Thai Dental Council, Ministry of Public Health, numbers from Thai universities and government reports.
