Hire Dentists in Illinois
Illinois has 12,600 licensed dentists — ranking #6 nationally. Median salary: $171k. Healthcare jobs growing 5%.
Illinois ranks #6 of 51 states for dentists with 12,600 providers (327 per 100K residents, 611% above the national average of 46). Chicago leads with 1,620 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
Recruit Dentists in Major Cities
Dentists Salary & Compensation in Illinois
To recruit mid-career dentists in Illinois, target offers at $179,456+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Dentists Supply by City in Illinois
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 1,620 | 60 | 2,700,000 |
| Aurora | 120 | 60 | 200,000 |
| Joliet | 90 | 60 | 150,000 |
| Naperville | 89 | 60 | 148,000 |
| Rockford | 87 | 60 | 145,000 |
| Springfield | 68 | 60 | 114,000 |
| Peoria | 67 | 60 | 112,000 |
| Elgin | 66 | 60 | 110,000 |
| Waukegan | 52 | 60 | 87,000 |
| Cicero | 50 | 60 | 84,000 |
10 cities in Illinois have dentists data. National average: 46 per 100K residents.
Illinois Recruiting Market Overview
Illinois ranks #6 of 51 states for dentists with 12,600 providers (327 per 100K residents, 611% above the national average of 46). Chicago leads with 1,620 providers.
Illinois is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs require physician collaboration agreements.
With 18.2% annual turnover, Illinois sees approximately 2,293 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 Illinois
How many dentists are in Illinois?
Illinois has 12,600 licensed dentists, ranking #6 nationally with 327 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for dentists in Illinois?
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 Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No, Illinois requires individual state licensure. The compact includes 42 member states.
Which cities in Illinois have the most dentists?
Top cities: Chicago (1,620), Aurora (120), Joliet (90). Chicago has 60 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for dentists in Illinois?
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.