Intro

Dentistry is a popular career choice for a variety of reasons. Typically you can earn a good income, and there's potential to make even more money by opening your own practice. And if you do that, you can set your own hours and create a work environment that suits you. Dentistry is also a secure job - there's a steady demand for dentists the world over. In Ireland in particular, there is a recruitment crisis and clinics cannot source enough dentists to treat the general population adequately. 

How it works in Ireland

Dental services in Ireland are delivered in a mixed public–private system. The majority of dental care is paid for out-of-pocket by individuals covered by health insurance. Ireland has around 2,000 active dentists across private practice, public health through the Health Service Executive (HSE) Dental Service, and its hospitals. There are state schemes like the PRSI Dental Scheme with annual oral exams for insured workers. 

Many dentists work as private practitioners, most of whom are dental surgeons (95%) with a small number of orthodontists. Many clinics will do a mixture of both public healthcare work and private patients. New or young dentists in general practice are self-employed associates, and earn their living partly through private fees from patients and partly from these government-subsidised treatment schemes. Most associates in specialist practice are also self-employed.

Associates who are employees will be employed on a permanent or fixed term basis. They receive an agreed annual salary, from which income tax, Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) and Universal Social Charge (USC) will have been deducted. You should receive a pay slip every month/fortnight detailing these and other deductions. 

What can I expect to earn?

Dentistry is a field of study that requires a commitment of many years and can be an expensive undertaking. As such, once graduated young dentists are keen on recouping their university fees. So it’s good news for recently graduated dentists who can expect to gross approximately €70,000 - €90,000 a year. After 3 to 4 years of experience in a clinic, this can go up to €150,000- €250,000 a year.

Dentist salaries are typically percentage based - which means that they’ll take a percentage of whatever is made by the clinic in any given month. The accepted norm would be around 40-50% on top of their basic salary. Earnings will depend on the dentist's efficiency and speed in performing procedures. The more patients seen in a day, then the more the dentist will earn.

Let’s take a look at procedures and what they’d typically cost in Ireland across general dentistry:

EXAMINATION

• Examination with PRSI: FREE

• Exam, Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: €55 – €100

• Childrens Exam (under 16s): €40

• Small x-rays (each): €15 - €25
  
  

DENTAL HYGIENE

• PRSI Scale and Polish (with Dentist): €15

• Exam & Scale and Polish (with Dentist): €80 – €90

• Scale and Polish with Dentist: €70

• Scale and Polish with Hygienist: €90                                                          

• Children Scale and Polish (under 16s): €40 – €50

• Periodontal Treatment (per quadrant): €130 – €200

  
  

RESTORATIONS

• Composite (White) Fillings: €120 – €200

• Amalgam (Sliver) Filling: €100 – €150

• Child’s (White) Filling: €80 – €120

• Pin Retention: €30

• Cosmetic Bonding: €150 – €350

• Temporary Fillings: €50 – €100
  
  

EXTRACTIONS

• Routine Extraction: €150 – €200

• Surgical Extraction: €200 – €250

• Orthodontic Extraction: €120

• Child’s Extraction: €80 – €100

ROOT CANAL

• Anterior Tooth*: €500 – €550

• Premolar Tooth*: €600 – €650

• Molar Tooth*: €700 – €850

CROWNS AND BRIDGES

• Post/Core Preparation: €250 – €450

• Crown*: €950 – €1,500

• Implant Crown*: €1,500

• Composite Veneer: €150 – €350

• Veneres*: €600 – €900

• Inlays/Onlays: €700 – €900

• Recement Bridge/Crown: €50 – €120

• Bridge (per unit)*: €700 – €900

ORTHODONTICS

• Consultation: €50

• Orthodontic Study & Treatment Plan: €150

• Fixed Braces: €3,000 – €5,500

• Clear Aligners: €3,000 – €6,000

DENTURES

• Full Acrylic Denture: €600

• Full Upper or Lower Denture: €600 – €1,200

• Partial Acrylic Denture: €400 – €750

• Cobalt Chrome Denture (Metal): €1,300 – €1,800

ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS

• Whitening Kit: €350

• Night Guard: €150 – €350

• Sports Shield: €90 – €150

• Fissure Sealants (per tooth): €40

Ongoing professional learning and upskilling in specific procedures such as root canals, bridges, crowns, and composite bonding can further enhance a dentist’s earning potential. The boom in cosmetic dentistry has also increased dentists’ take-home pay. If you’re a specialist, like an orthodontist the average salary is around €106,265.

Setting up your own clinic

Running your own clinic will require investment but it could see you earning more financially over the long-term. Like anything else, if you’re prepared to put the work in, then you should reap the rewards. The Irish Dental Association has more information on setting up your own clinic in Ireland.

There are many reasons to move to Ireland to work as a dentist, and not just financial ones. Yes there are excellent salaries to be had, but Ireland can also offer great career progression opportunities too. It’s possible to keep learning new things as well as even open your own clinic. In addition Ireland strikes the right balance between work and life commitments. It’s a great place to bring up a family in a secure, stable country. If you’re thinking of moving to Ireland to work as a dentist, then Dent Recruit can help. We’re a specialised dental recruitment service based in Ireland and we focus on connecting non-Irish dentists with clinics here. We can help you find a job, organise your work permit, and register with the Irish Dental Council. You can really prosper as a dentist in Ireland. All you have to do is take the first step. 


[Imagery Source: Pavel Danilyuk]