How Much Is The Salary Of Dentist In Philippines

If you’re considering dentistry as a career or simply curious about how much dentists in the Philippines earn, you’re not alone. Dentistry is a respected profession that requires years of education, skill, and dedication. But like any career decision, understanding the financial side is important. In the Philippines, dentist salaries can vary widely depending on where you work, how much experience you have, and whether you run your own clinic or work in a hospital or government setting.

The good news is that dentistry remains one of the more stable professions in the country, with multiple career paths available. Whether you want to become a private dentist, work in a hospital, serve as a military dentist, or specialize as an orthodontist, your monthly income will differ.

Salary Projection for Dentists in the Philippines

Here’s a realistic look at how your earnings might grow depending on your chosen path. These numbers are averages and may vary by location, skill, and patient demand.

Career Path	Year 1 (Entry)	Year 5 (Mid-Career)	Year 10 (Experienced/Specialized)
Associate Dentist	PHP 30,000–50,000/month	PHP 50,000–80,000/month	PHP 80,000–120,000/month
Private Dentist	PHP 60,000–100,000/month (new clinic)	PHP 120,000–180,000/month	PHP 150,000–250,000+/month
Orthodontist	PHP 70,000–120,000/month (post-specialization)	PHP 150,000–250,000/month	PHP 200,000–300,000+/month
Military Dentist	PHP 45,000–50,000/month	PHP 60,000–80,000/month	PHP 100,000–120,000/month (senior rank)

Average Dentist Salary per Month in the Philippines

As of 2025, the average dentist salary per month in the Philippines is between PHP 50,000 and PHP 80,000 for those in full-time employment. That equals PHP 600,000 to PHP 960,000 annually.

Here’s a closer look at different career stages:

Fresh graduates / Entry-level dentists: PHP 25,000–35,000 per month
Associate dentists (working under a clinic owner): PHP 30,000–50,000 per month, plus performance-based incentives in some clinics
Mid-career dentists (3–7 years): PHP 40,000–70,000 per month
Highly experienced or specialized dentists: PHP 100,000–250,000+ per month, especially with private practice

It’s important to note that these figures can shift depending on your location (Metro Manila salaries are higher than provincial areas) and whether you practice independently or as part of an institution. For comparison, psychologist earning levels in the country can also follow a similar pattern, though figures differ by specialization and demand.

Private Dentist Salary

If you want higher earning potential, becoming a private dentist is one of the most rewarding routes. Unlike salaried positions, private dentists earn directly from patient consultations and procedures.

Consultation fees: PHP 500–1,500 per visit
Procedures:
- Tooth extraction: PHP 800–2,000
- Fillings: PHP 1,500–3,000
- Root canal: PHP 8,000–25,000
- Braces: PHP 50,000–120,000 (spread over multiple payments)

A busy clinic with 15–20 patients daily can generate PHP 200,000–300,000+ in monthly gross revenue, but expenses (rent, equipment, staff salaries, utilities, supplies) will reduce the take-home income. Even with overhead, many established private dentists report PHP 150,000–200,000 net income per month once their clinic has steady patient flow.

This makes private practice one of the most lucrative, but also demanding, paths in dentistry.

Orthodontist vs Dentist Salary in the Philippines

One of the biggest questions future dentists ask is: “Do orthodontists earn more than general dentists?” The answer is yes.

General Dentist: Typically earns PHP 40,000–80,000 per month in employment or PHP 100,000–200,000+ in private practice, depending on patient flow.
Orthodontist: Since orthodontics requires additional training and specialization, orthodontists can charge higher fees. Monthly income often ranges from PHP 120,000–300,000+, especially for those in private practice.

Why the difference? Orthodontic procedures, like braces and Invisalign treatments, are long-term and higher priced (PHP 50,000–150,000 per patient). This gives orthodontists a steadier and more profitable stream of income compared to general dentists.

If you’re considering further study, specializing in orthodontics is a financially rewarding option.

Military Dentist Earnings

Another career path that isn’t widely discussed is serving as a military dentist. If you join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Dental Service, your salary will follow the military pay grade system.

Newly commissioned military dentist (2nd Lieutenant / O-1): Around PHP 45,000–50,000 per month, including base pay and allowances.
Mid-level rank (Captain or Major): PHP 60,000–80,000 per month.
Senior rank (Colonel and above): PHP 100,000–120,000+ monthly, plus benefits.

Aside from salary, military dentists enjoy benefits such as free housing or housing allowance, hazard pay, and retirement pensions after years of service. While income may be lower than in private practice, the job security and benefits package make it a strong option for those seeking stability.

Associate Dentist

If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely begin your career as an associate dentist in a private clinic.

An associate dentist typically:

Works under the supervision of a clinic owner.
Earns PHP 30,000–50,000 per month.
May receive additional earnings based on a commission system (e.g., 30–40% share of each procedure they perform).

For example, if you perform a PHP 10,000 root canal and the clinic offers you a 35% cut, you’ll earn PHP 3,500 from that procedure. This system allows motivated associates to grow their income as they gain more patients and skills.

Many dentists work as associates for a few years before saving enough to open their own clinics.

Salary in Different Work Settings

1. Private Clinics

Dentists in private practice usually set consultation fees at PHP 500–1,500 per patient, with additional charges for procedures like fillings, braces, or root canals. A busy private clinic can allow dentists to earn well above the average, sometimes PHP 150,000+ monthly, but income depends on patient flow and location.

2. Hospitals

Dentists employed in private hospitals typically earn PHP 40,000–70,000 per month, while those in top-tier institutions may earn more, especially if handling oral surgery.

3. Government Service

Dentists in government hospitals or public health centers follow the Salary Standardization Law (SSL V). A government dentist (Dentist I position) usually starts at Salary Grade 16, equivalent to PHP 39,672 per month in 2025. Senior dentists (Dentist V or VI) can earn PHP 70,000–100,000 monthly, excluding allowances.

4. Academia and Teaching

Dentists who teach in universities typically earn PHP 25,000–60,000 monthly, depending on their rank and workload. Many combine teaching with private practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private dentist earn in the Philippines?

Private dentists can earn anywhere from PHP 100,000 to 200,000+ monthly net income, depending on patient volume, clinic location, and services offered.

Who earns more: orthodontists or general dentists?

Orthodontists generally earn more. Their monthly income can reach PHP 120,000–300,000+, compared to PHP 40,000–80,000 for general dentists in employment.

How much does a military dentist earn in the Philippines?

Military dentists earn around PHP 45,000–50,000 per month at entry level, with higher ranks reaching PHP 100,000+, plus benefits like housing and retirement.

What is an associate dentist and how much do they earn?

An associate dentist works under a clinic owner and usually earns PHP 30,000–50,000 per month, with extra income from commission-based procedures.

Is it better to work as an associate dentist or start a clinic?

Working as an associate provides stability and lower risk, but starting your own clinic offers higher long-term income potential once you have enough patients and capital.

Becoming a dentist in the Philippines requires significant investment in time, effort, and resources. While entry-level pay may seem modest, the profession offers strong earning potential as you gain experience, specialize, or open your own clinic. Whether you aim to serve in government, teach, or build a thriving private practice, dentistry can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.