How much does a dentist make in South Africa?

Asked by: Dr. Tyrell Lesch  |  Last update: August 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (65 votes)

The average dentist gross salary in South Africa is R1,255,117 or an equivalent hourly rate of R603. In addition, they earn an average bonus of R43,804.

Do dentists get paid well in South Africa?

Mid-Career Dentist Salaries

Dentists who have been in practice for a number of years can expect to see their salaries rise significantly. As of 2021, the average mid-career salary for a dentist in South Africa is around R800,000 per year.

How many years does it take to become a dentist in South Africa?

The degree in dentistry requires five years of full-time study, followed by one year of compulsory community service.

Which dentist gets paid the most?

The highest dental salary in the US is the salary of a dental anesthesiologist. oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They can earn anywhere from $290,000-$400,000 per year.

Is South Africa good for dentistry?

In general, South African trained dentists, dental surgeons, prosthodontists, etc and dental technicians are as good as anywhere in the world, and better than many countries.

Dentist Salary 2022 | South Africa

36 related questions found

What country pays dentists the most?

1. United States. Known for its advanced healthcare system, the United States offers a vast landscape for dentists. The high demand for dental services and a strong economy provide ample opportunities for dental professionals to establish their practices.

Are dentists in high demand in South Africa?

Career Prospects and Growth. The job market for Dentistry & Dentistry Support in South Africa is expanding, with increases in demand for dental professionals in both urban and rural areas. Salary ranges can vary significantly: Entry-level dentists typically earn between R40,000 and R60,000 per month.

Can a dentist make 500K a year?

Average earnings are $350K, with potential ranging from $200K to $500K depending on experience and…

Can a dentist make 300K a year?

A full time pediatric dentist can expect to earn between 300K and 400K per year, a general dentist can expect to earn between *200K and 300K per year. Level I & II sedation license.

What is the salary of a dentist in Dubai?

The estimated total pay for a Dentist is AED 32,323 per month in the Dubai United Arab Emirates area, with an average salary of AED 12,000 per month.

Where do dentists work in South Africa?

Once qualified, you will have to register with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in order to work. Dentists in South Africa often work in government or private hospitals and clinics.

How long is dentistry in Nigeria?

D curriculum now covered a total of six years as follows: Pre-Professional Courses -1 year. Pre-Clinical Courses – 2 years. Clinical Training – 3 years.

What is the highest paying job in South Africa?

A breakdown of the highest-paying jobs and their salaries
  • Neurosurgeon – R3 million to R5 million.
  • Cardiothoracic surgeon – R2. ...
  • Ship captain (Deep sea/Specialised cargo) – R2 million to R3. ...
  • Actuary (with experience) – R1. ...
  • Mining engineer (deep level) – R1. ...
  • Legal partner (corporate law) – R1.

Is dentist free in South Africa?

Oral healthcare is part of South Africa's public primary healthcare package. As with the rest of the country's medical services, anyone can register and use South Africa's state dental services. The government subsidizes dental care, so residents only have to make small co-payments.

Why is dentist salary so high?

Both dentists and doctors will spend a lot of time and money on their education, so it makes sense that both professions offer high levels of compensation.

How much is a dentist paid in the USA?

The average annual dentist salary is $172,290 per year in the U.S., according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is studying dentistry hard?

Dental school is rigorous and requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Students must master a wide range of skills, from diagnosing oral diseases to performing complex dental procedures.

How wealthy are dentists?

For example, in California, general dentists in the San Francisco metropolitan area earn a mean wage of $256,070 per year, while Los Angeles dentists earn a mean wage of $165,040.

Are dentists overpaid?

The truth is that dentists provide necessary services, from helping prevent cavities to warding off gum disease -- and they even tackle more significant medical problems. For many patients, however, paying any money for procedures that sometimes cause pain or are scary means that dentists are overpaid.

How long is a dentistry degree in South Africa?

The degree in dentistry requires five years of full-time study, followed by one year of compulsory community service. Students get first-hand exposure to clinical dentistry from the second semester of the first year of study.

Which country gives most money as dentist?

The United States of America offers the highest average dentist's salary per hour. It ranges around USD 72.12 and an annual average salary of USD 151,778.

Is dental therapy a good career in South Africa?

The dental therapy profession is not a replacement for dentists; however, it is an economically sustainable professional mid-level workforce category where you can employ up to three dental therapists with the salary of one dentist.