As we saw in our orthodontist job description, this specialist plays a crucial role in dental health, correcting anomalies in the position of teeth and jaws to improve the aesthetics and function of the mouth. As with any profession essential to human health, orthodontists generally earn a high income. However, these vary according to a number of factors. This article examines the various elements that influence this subject.
Criteria affecting orthodontic salaries
Several factors determine an orthodontist's salary:
- Experience: junior orthodontists earn less than those with several years' practice. Experience allows you to build a loyal patient base and improve your skills, resulting in higher earnings.
- Location: salaries vary according to the geographical area in which the orthodontist decides to set up practice. In big cities or regions with strong purchasing power, incomes are higher, but so is the cost of living. In addition, regions with high demand mean limited competition, and can offer more attractive salaries.
- Status : whether you're a salaried or self-employed orthodontist, your income will change. In fact, self-employed orthodontists are free to set their own rates, although they have to bear the tax and administrative burden of the premises they occupy.
- Specialization: depending on the academic curriculum chosen, the orthodontist will be considered either a general dental surgeon with orthodontic skills, or a specialized orthodontist recognized as such. This distinction will play an important role in remuneration levels, as specialists are highly sought-after.
Average salaries for orthodontists
In France, it's not easy to determine exactly how much an orthodontist earns. In addition, the factors mentioned above have an impact on these disparities. Here, however, is an idea of the average remuneration:
- Confirmed orthodontist:
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- Salaried : salary from 30 to 35% of gross monthly sales.
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- Self-employed : between 45 and 55% of gross monthly sales.
Additional benefits and allowances
In addition to salary, orthodontist job offers may include certain benefits:
- Private practice orthodontists: as explained above, private practice orthodontists are able to set their own fees, which can lead to significantly higher incomes than salaried employees. However, they do have to manage the administration and taxation of their business.
- Salaried orthodontists: salaried orthodontists enjoy a stable income and a constant patient base. While their income is lower than that of their self-employed peers, they are better protected and don't have to worry about anything other than their medical practice.
International comparison of salaries
Salaries for orthodontists vary considerably worldwide. In South Korea, for example, the average annual salary for an orthodontist is around KRW 135,000,000 per year (€91,000), and AUD 112,000 in Australia (€68,000). On the other hand, while these figures may seem interesting at first glance, they are of no interest when taken out of the economic and social context of the country from which they come. The way the healthcare system works and the cost of living vary to such an extent that, for the same salary, American and Italian orthodontists will not live in the same conditions.
As you can see, orthodontic salaries depend on all the factors listed above. It can sometimes be hard to keep track, and even harder to master the variables in question, not all of which depend on the doctor. On the other hand, the motivated and patient orthodontist will ensure an increase in income throughout an exciting and important career!
Like this article and want to know more? Find out more on our orthodontist studies page!