General dentists and specialists earn some of Canada's highest salaries. See take-home pay, incorporation tax savings, and strategies to maximize dental income.
| Role / Level | Annual Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Dentist (0–3 years) | $120,000 – $180,000 | $148,000 |
| General Dentist (established) | $180,000 – $280,000 | $225,000 |
| Dental Clinic Owner | $220,000 – $400,000+ | $300,000 |
| Orthodontist | $250,000 – $450,000 | $340,000 |
| Oral Surgeon | $300,000 – $500,000+ | $390,000 |
| Endodontist / Periodontist | $220,000 – $380,000 | $290,000 |
| Province | Average Salary | Est. Take-Home (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $248,000 | $11,200/mo personal |
| British Columbia | $235,000 | $10,800/mo personal |
| Alberta | $242,000 | $12,100/mo personal |
| Quebec | $215,000 | $9,200/mo personal |
| Saskatchewan | $228,000 | $11,500/mo personal |
| Manitoba | $210,000 | $10,200/mo personal |
| Nova Scotia | $195,000 | $9,600/mo personal |
| New Brunswick | $190,000 | $9,400/mo personal |
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay:
| Deduction | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax (personal) | ~$68,000 |
| Ontario Provincial Tax | ~$32,000 |
| CPP Contributions | ~$3,800 |
| Effective Tax Rate | ~42% |
| Incorporation Saves | ~$40,000–$60,000/yr |
| Take-Home (incorporated) | ~$130,000–$160,000+/yr |
Most Canadian dentists incorporate their practices. Corporate structures allow deferring significant income at the small business rate (~12.2%) rather than personal rates up to 53.5%.
A dental professional corporation pays just 12.2% on the first $500,000 of business income in most provinces, versus 45-53% personal tax. Retaining $200,000 in a corporation and investing it compounds dramatically faster than personal investment.
An Individual Pension Plan (IPP) allows dentists to shelter far more than the RRSP maximum. IPP limits are based on years of service and salary, and can allow $40,000+ in annual contributions for established dentists.
Even high-earning dentists should maximize TFSA contributions ($7,000/year). The tax-free compounding over decades is worth six figures for high-income earners.
Build a passive investment portfolio inside your dental corporation. Income on the first $50,000 of passive income qualifies for the small business rate. Strategic timing of salary vs dividends optimizes your overall tax position.
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