Home > Salary > South Africa > General Dentist
A general dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health issues. They provide comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages, focusing on maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing various dental conditions. General dentists perform routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They also educate patients about proper oral care and recommend treatments such as orthodontics, root canals, and periodontal therapy when necessary. Additionally, they may collaborate with specialists for more complex procedures. The occupation requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as dentists must effectively explain treatment options and address patient concerns. They must also possess manual dexterity and attention to detail for performing precise dental procedures. Overall, general dentists play a crucial role in promoting oral health and helping patients achieve healthy smiles.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 375,675 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 31,306 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 7,225 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 181 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 30,300 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,992 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 175 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06
Estimated Yearly Salary: 18,852 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,571 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 363 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 9 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 375,675 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 31,306 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 7,225 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 181 ZAR per hour
By working as General Dentist a person can save up to 1,300 USD per month or 15,598 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for General Dentist
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Press set up (97,560 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Pet detective (133,303 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Licensed prosthetistorthotist (lpo) (196,580 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Research scientist (225,529 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Safety adviser (166,315 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
General Dentist salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of General Dentist in South Africa is approximately 375,675 ZAR (18,852 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does General Dentist do?

Skills: general dentist, oral health, dental care, preventive dentistry, dental treatments, patient education
Job industry: Healthcare
Job industry: Healthcare
How much does General Dentist make?
Salary details
How much does General Dentist make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 375,675 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 31,306 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 7,225 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 181 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 363,600 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 30,300 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 6,992 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 175 ZAR per hour
General Dentist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 18,852 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,571 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 363 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 9 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated General Dentist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as General Dentist in South Africa earns on average:
2.96 times the average salary (or 296% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated General Dentist job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as General Dentist in South Africa earns on average:
2.96 times the average salary (or 296% of average salary).
Is General Dentist a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that General Dentist is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for General Dentist?
High salary for General Dentist would be somewhere between 413,243 ZAR and 544,729 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as General Dentist in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 375,675 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 31,306 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 7,225 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 181 ZAR per hour
By working as General Dentist a person can save up to 1,300 USD per month or 15,598 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for General Dentist
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa
(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
10. Urologist
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Press set up (97,560 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Pet detective (133,303 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Licensed prosthetistorthotist (lpo) (196,580 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Research scientist (225,529 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Safety adviser (166,315 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.

The salary data presented here are intended for reference purposes solely.
optisalary.com compiles salary data for educational purposes exclusively. While we strive to present accurate estimates, we do not warrant their full precision. Users are highly advised to check with additional databases before making financial decisions. Salary figures vary based on multiple conditions, such as location, job role, and individual qualifications. We do not offer any claims as to the validity of the provided data. Your access of this site acknowledges agreement of this disclaimer.
The salary estimates on optisalary.com are meant for informational purposes exclusively. We collect salary data from varied sources, but do not ensure absolute precision. Users should on their own verify salaries before making financial commitments. Salary fluctuations occur due to industry standards, demand shifts, and location. We deny any guarantee regarding the correctness of the listed salary data. By accessing this site, you agree that salary data is not definitive.