Did you know…dentists in Australia rank among the top 10 highest-paid professionals? The average salary of a dentist is AUD 90,000 to 180,000 per year!! That’s almost like INR 49.5 lakh – 99 lakh a year!
But how can you, as an international dentist, work as a registered dentist in Australia? And how exactly does the salary vary depending on experience, location, or specialization?
Read this blog till the end to know all the details and added benefits along with the salary for dentists in Australia.
Average Dentist Salary in Australia (2025)
| Experience Level | Salary (AUD/year) | Salary (INR/year approx.) |
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | $70,000 – $90,000 | ₹38.5 – 49.5 lakh |
| Mid-career (3–7 yrs) | $100,000 – $150,000 | ₹55 – 82.5 lakh |
| Senior/Experienced | $160,000 – $200,000+ | ₹88 – 110 lakh+ |
Benefits of Being a Dentist in Australia
| Benefit | Details |
| High Earnings | Entry-level dentists start around AUD 100,000 (~₹56 LPA). Specialists and private owners can earn up to AUD 400,000 (~₹224 LPA+). |
| Job Security | Strong demand due to population growth and oral health awareness. |
| Work-Life Balance | Flexible schedules, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. |
| Career Growth | Work in public hospitals, private clinics, specialist practices, or research/academic roles. |
| International Pathways | Overseas dentists can work via ADC exams and AHPRA registration. |
| Additional Perks | Superannuation, CPD programs, healthcare benefits, and PR eligibility for skilled visa holders. |
Dentist Salary in Australia by Location (2025)
| City/Region | Salary (AUD/year) | Salary (INR/year approx.) |
| Sydney | $110,000 – $180,000 | ₹60.5 – 99 lakh |
| Melbourne | $105,000 – $170,000 | ₹57.75 – 93.5 lakh |
| Brisbane | $100,000 – $160,000 | ₹55 – 88 lakh |
| Perth | $100,000 – $165,000 | ₹55 – 90.75 lakh |
| Rural/Regional Areas | $120,000 – $200,000+ | ₹66 – 110 lakh+ |
Dentist Salary in Australia by Specialization (2025)
| Specialization | Salary (AUD/year) | Salary (INR/year approx.) |
| General Dentist | $90,000 – $160,000 | ₹49.5 – 88 lakh |
| Orthodontist | $180,000 – $300,000 | ₹99 lakh – 1.65 crore |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | $250,000 – $400,000 | ₹1.37 – 2.2 crore |
| Pediatric Dentist | $120,000 – $200,000 | ₹66 – 110 lakh |
| Prosthodontist | $160,000 – $250,000 | ₹88 – 137.5 lakh |
| Periodontist | $150,000 – $220,000 | ₹82.5 – 121 lakh |
| Endodontist | $140,000 – $210,000 | ₹77 – 115.5 lakh |
| Public Health Dentist | $100,000 – $160,000 | ₹55 – 88 lakh |
Public vs Private Sector
| Aspect | Public Sector | Private / Specialist |
| Wage Growth | Structured | Variable, high potential |
| Hours | Fixed 9–5 | Flexible, can be longer |
| Overtime / Bonus | Limited | Commission or patient fees |
| Clinical Exposure | Supervised, diverse | Hands-on, independent |
| Job Security | High | Moderate, but higher income |
Career Scope for Dentists in Australia
Dentists have multiple career paths:
- General Dentist: Work in clinics or hospitals.
- Specialist: Orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry.
- Private Practice Owner: Start your own clinic.
- Academic & Research Roles: Universities, research institutes.
- Locum Dentist: Flexible short-term roles across clinics.
Tip: Specializing or working in regional areas often boosts both income and career prospects.
Global Comparison (2025)
| Country | Salary (AUD) | Salary (INR) |
| Australia | 120,000–150,000 | ₹67–84 LPA |
| USA | 150,000–200,000 | ₹84–112 LPA |
| UK | 70,000–110,000 | ₹39–61 LPA |
| Canada | 110,000–140,000 | ₹61–78 LPA |
| India | 5,00,000–12,00,000 | ₹5–12 LPA |
How to Become a Dentist in Australia
Now that you know the salary of dentists in Australia, do you want to become one? Well, it is quite easy to do. Here’s how you can do it-
1. Get a Dental Degree
You need a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Dentistry. If you studied abroad, make sure your degree is recognized by the Australian Dental Council (ADC).
2. Apply for ADC Assessment
The ADC checks your qualifications and confirms if you’re eligible to practice in Australia.
3. Pass the ADC Written Exam
This exam tests your dental knowledge and theory. Taking a preparation course can make passing easier.
The best one would be to join Academically’s ADC Preparation Course. You will get live and recorded lectures, study materials, practice questions, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and much more.
4. Pass the ADC Practical Exam
A hands-on test to show you can safely treat patients and perform dental procedures in Australia.
5. Prove English Proficiency
You need to pass IELTS or OET exams to show your English is good enough for professional work.
6. Register with AHPRA
Once you pass all exams, register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This allows you to legally work as a dentist.
Tips for Success
- Complete ADC exam preparation early.
- Start in public hospitals for structured clinical experience.
- Move to private practice or specialization later for higher income.
- Consider regional areas for higher incentives and easier PR.
- Network with ADA (Australian Dental Association).
Final Thoughts
The salary of a dentist is Australia is one of the highest. And it clearly shows. So, it’s high time that you pack your bags and move to the country where you can earn a lot.
But before getting onto this, just remember that you need to pass the ADC exam. Prepare for it and crack the exam by joining the best coaching program. Because you don't want to take any risks here.
Also, if you are confused about how to go about it, don't worry. You can talk to the ADC experts at Academically, who can help you with all you need from start to the end.