Hire Dentists in California
California has 38,200 licensed dentists — ranking #1 nationally. Median salary: $171k. Healthcare jobs growing 8%.
California ranks #1 of 51 states for dentists with 38,200 providers (383 per 100K residents, 733% above the national average of 46). Los Angeles leads with 2,400 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
Recruit Dentists in Major Cities
Dentists Salary & Compensation in California
To recruit mid-career dentists in California, target offers at $179,456+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Dentists Supply by City in California
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 2,400 | 60 | 4,000,000 |
| San Diego | 840 | 60 | 1,400,000 |
| San Jose | 600 | 60 | 1,000,000 |
| San Francisco | 525 | 60 | 875,000 |
| Fresno | 324 | 60 | 540,000 |
| Sacramento | 315 | 60 | 525,000 |
| Long Beach | 282 | 60 | 470,000 |
| Oakland | 258 | 60 | 430,000 |
| Bakersfield | 231 | 60 | 385,000 |
| Anaheim | 210 | 60 | 350,000 |
10 cities in California have dentists data. National average: 46 per 100K residents.
California Recruiting Market Overview
California ranks #1 of 51 states for dentists with 38,200 providers (383 per 100K residents, 733% above the national average of 46). Los Angeles leads with 2,400 providers.
California is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs have full practice authority.
With 18.2% annual turnover, California sees approximately 6,952 dentists position changes per year. Top retention factors: work-life balance (85%), competitive salary (82%), and supportive management (78%).
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days. Recruiters should factor in 60-120 days for hospital credentialing and 90-180 days for insurance paneling.
Top Specializations
Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring Dentists in California
How many dentists are in California?
California has 38,200 licensed dentists, ranking #1 nationally with 383 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for dentists in California?
The national median is $170,910. Entry-level: $129,892, Senior: $213,638. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 are common for hard-to-fill roles. Source: BLS 2024.
Is California a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No, California requires individual state licensure. The compact includes 42 member states.
Which cities in California have the most dentists?
Top cities: Los Angeles (2,400), San Diego (840), San Jose (600). Los Angeles has 60 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for dentists in California?
Annual turnover averages 18.2%. Top exit reasons: burnout (35%), better pay (28%). Proactive retention programs reduce turnover 25-40%.
How long does recruiting dentists take?
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days (low competition). Hospital credentialing adds 60-120 days. Start the process early to avoid staffing gaps.