Dentist salaries in Vietnam vary widely. A dentist working in a public hospital or public dental service follows the government salary framework, while private dental clinics may offer much higher compensation, particularly for dentists with experience in orthodontics, implants or restorative dentistry.
Current labour-market data provide a useful benchmark. JobsGO's 2025 to 2026 salary report places the salary range for oral and maxillofacial doctors at approximately VND 20 million to VND 48 million per month. Current private dental vacancies also include positions offering VND 30 million to VND 60 million, with some experienced roles advertised at VND 50 million to VND 100 million per month.
These figures describe different jobs and should not be treated as a single national salary. Experience, specialty, city, patient volume, employer and whether income includes commission can all make a substantial difference.
How much does a dentist earn in Vietnam?
A useful private-sector reference range in 2026 is approximately VND 20 million to VND 50 million per month for oral and maxillofacial doctors, based on JobsGO's salary report.
The report gives a lower median salary of VND 20 million and an upper median of VND 48 million for the category "Bác Sĩ Răng Hàm Mặt," or oral and maxillofacial doctor.
Current private-sector job advertisements show an even wider range. Recent TopCV listings include:
- General or orthodontic dentist: VND 30 million to VND 60 million per month
- Oral and maxillofacial doctor with three years of experience: VND 50 million to VND 100 million
- Oral and maxillofacial doctor with more than five years of experience: VND 50 million to VND 100 million
These are specific vacancies, not guaranteed salaries for the profession as a whole.
What is the average dentist salary in Vietnam?
There is no single official national average that accurately captures public dentists, private clinic employees, specialists, practice owners and dentists paid partly by commission.
JobsGO's current salary report is one of the more useful market references because it provides a salary band specifically for oral and maxillofacial doctors. Its VND 20 million to VND 48 million range suggests that many salaried dentists earn substantially more than entry-level healthcare workers.
However, current job advertisements show that experienced dentists can move well above that range. A vacancy offering VND 50 million to VND 100 million should be understood as a higher-paying example rather than the normal salary for a newly qualified dentist.
Public-sector dentist salaries in Vietnam
Dentists working in eligible public-sector positions are included in Vietnam's professional salary framework for doctors.
Vietnamese policy specifically includes oral and maxillofacial doctors among the healthcare professionals affected by the 2026 salary reforms.
From 1 July 2026, the statutory base salary is VND 2.53 million per month. Public-sector salaries are calculated by multiplying this base salary by the relevant salary coefficient.
For a Grade III doctor, the salary coefficients run from 2.34 to 4.98. The corresponding monthly base salaries are approximately:
- Step 1: VND 5.92 million
- Step 2: VND 6.76 million
- Step 3: VND 7.59 million
- Step 4: VND 8.42 million
- Step 5: VND 9.26 million
- Step 6: VND 10.09 million
- Step 7: VND 10.93 million
- Step 8: VND 11.76 million
- Step 9: VND 12.60 million
These are base salaries and do not necessarily represent total monthly income.
Why can public dentist income be higher than the base salary?
Public healthcare workers may receive allowances and additional payments on top of their base salary.
Depending on the position and institution, total income may include:
- Professional allowances
- Position or leadership allowances
- On-call or additional-duty payments
- Bonuses
- Additional institutional income
The exact combination depends on the workplace and employment arrangement.
Private dental clinic salaries in Vietnam
Private clinics operate differently from the public salary system.
A dentist may receive:
- A fixed monthly salary
- A percentage of treatment revenue
- A fixed salary plus commission
- Procedure-based payments
- Performance bonuses
- A guaranteed minimum income plus revenue share
This is particularly relevant in dentistry because treatments such as implants, orthodontics, crowns and cosmetic procedures can generate significantly more revenue than routine examinations.
For context on what patients pay, How Much Does Dental Treatment Cost in Vietnam? explains the cost of common treatments from the patient side.
Can dentists earn VND 50 million or more per month?
Yes. Current advertisements show that salaries above VND 50 million are possible, particularly for experienced dentists.
TopCV listings include oral and maxillofacial doctor roles paying VND 50 million to VND 100 million per month in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Another current listing for a general or orthodontic dentist offers VND 30 million to VND 60 million per month and requires previous professional experience.
These higher salary bands are more likely to involve experienced clinicians, specialist procedures or private clinics where dentist income is closely linked to treatment volume.
Which dental specialties can earn more?
There is no official Vietnamese ranking of dental specialties by salary, but private-clinic economics can favour procedures that require greater skill, longer training or higher treatment fees.
Areas that may offer stronger earning potential include:
- Dental implants
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Oral surgery
- Full-mouth rehabilitation
For example, implant treatment is one of the higher-value services offered by many private dental clinics. How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost in Vietnam? explains the patient-side cost structure for this type of treatment.
The relationship is not automatic. A general dentist with a strong patient base may earn more than a specialist working fewer hours or in a lower-volume clinic.
Dentist salaries in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has one of Vietnam's largest private dental markets and a high concentration of clinics serving both local and international patients.
Current recruitment listings covering Ho Chi Minh City advertise oral and maxillofacial dentist roles at VND 30 million to VND 60 million or even VND 50 million to VND 100 million, depending on the employer and experience required.
The city therefore offers opportunities well above the public-sector salary scale, although patient volume, workload and commission arrangements can differ substantially.
Dentist salaries in Hanoi
Hanoi also has a large private dental sector and numerous specialist dental providers.
Recent TopCV listings include oral and maxillofacial doctor positions in Hanoi offering VND 50 million to VND 100 million per month for candidates with several years of experience.
As in Ho Chi Minh City, these are higher-paying examples rather than a guaranteed market rate.
Dentists considering employment should check whether the advertised figure represents:
- Fixed salary
- Maximum potential income
- Salary plus commission
- Revenue-based compensation
- A probationary versus permanent salary
Dentist salaries in Da Nang
Da Nang has a smaller dental market than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City but still has private clinics serving local residents, expatriates and medical tourists.
Current TopCV listings include oral and maxillofacial dentist roles at VND 30 million to VND 60 million and experienced positions reaching VND 50 million to VND 100 million.
Some of these vacancies are offered across multiple cities, which suggests larger dental groups may use similar compensation structures across different branches.
Vietnam's growing healthcare travel market also gives dental clinics in major travel destinations an opportunity to serve international patients. Medical Tourism in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Guide explains the broader context.
How much do newly qualified dentists earn?
Private-sector starting salaries are difficult to generalise because many dental vacancies ask for previous experience and do not always disclose pay.
For applicable public-sector positions, the government salary framework provides a clearer reference point. Grade III salary coefficients begin at 2.34, corresponding to approximately VND 5.92 million per month before allowances under the July 2026 base salary.
Actual starting income depends on appointment status, probation, allowances and employer.
Private clinics may offer substantially more, especially where compensation is linked to treatment revenue.
How experience affects dentist salary
Experience is one of the clearest drivers of private dental income.
Current recruitment examples show higher salaries for roles requiring several years of experience, particularly where dentists are expected to perform complex procedures independently.
Employers may value experience with:
- Implants
- Orthodontics
- Ceramic restorations
- Dentures
- Oral surgery
- Treatment planning
- International patients
Does speaking English increase dentist earning potential?
There is no official salary premium for English-speaking dentists in Vietnam.
However, professional English can be useful in clinics serving expatriates, tourists and medical travellers, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang.
A dentist who can explain complex treatment plans directly to international patients may be able to work in a wider range of private clinics.
From the patient side, language ability should still be confirmed with the individual dentist rather than assumed from a clinic's English-language website. How to Choose an English-Speaking Clinic in Vietnam explains what patients should check before booking.
Dentists versus dental assistants
Dentist salaries should not be confused with those of dental assistants.
JobsGO's 2025 to 2026 salary report lists dental assistants at approximately VND 8 million to VND 13 million per month, compared with VND 20 million to VND 48 million for oral and maxillofacial doctors.
The difference reflects the different qualifications, professional responsibilities and scope of practice.
Why salary estimates vary so much online
Dentistry is particularly difficult to summarise with one salary figure because compensation may be linked to production.
A dentist earning VND 25 million as a guaranteed fixed salary may ultimately receive considerably more through treatment commission. Another dentist advertised at VND 50 million may have a heavier workload or a compensation package where the top figure depends on meeting revenue targets.
When comparing offers, check:
- Guaranteed fixed salary
- Commission percentage
- How treatment revenue is calculated
- Patient volume
- Working days and hours
- Minimum experience requirements
- Benefits and insurance
- Probationary pay
Public versus private dentist salaries
The gap between the two sectors can be substantial.
Public dentists work within a regulated salary structure. A Grade III dentist's base pay under the July 2026 scale runs from approximately VND 5.92 million to VND 12.60 million, before relevant allowances.
Private-sector data are much higher. JobsGO reports a VND 20 million to VND 48 million salary band for oral and maxillofacial doctors, while current individual vacancies reach VND 50 million to VND 100 million.
This does not mean all private dentists earn several times more than public dentists. The figures represent different compensation systems, workloads and benefits.
So, what is a realistic dentist salary in Vietnam in 2026?
Current evidence suggests several useful reference points:
- Public Grade III base salary: approximately VND 5.92 million to VND 12.60 million per month before allowances
- JobsGO benchmark for oral and maxillofacial doctors: approximately VND 20 million to VND 48 million per month
- Current private general or orthodontic dentist vacancies: around VND 30 million to VND 60 million
- Selected experienced private dentist roles: VND 50 million to VND 100 million
The wide spread is real. A public hospital dentist, a newly qualified clinician, an implant dentist in a high-volume private clinic and a practice owner should not be expected to have similar income.
For anyone evaluating a dental job in Vietnam, the practical next step is to check the fixed salary, commission structure, treatment mix, working hours and benefits rather than relying only on the maximum figure in an advertisement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common searches about dentist salaries in Vietnam.
What is the average dentist salary in Vietnam?
There is no single official national average. JobsGO's 2025 to 2026 salary report gives a range of approximately VND 20 million to VND 48 million per month for oral and maxillofacial doctors, while individual private vacancies can be higher.
How much does a private dentist earn in Vietnam?
Current private vacancies include salaries around VND 30 million to VND 60 million per month, with some experienced roles advertised at VND 50 million to VND 100 million. Actual income can also depend on commission and patient volume.
How much does a public dentist earn in Vietnam?
Public-sector dentists follow the government salary framework. A Grade III base salary currently ranges from approximately VND 5.92 million to VND 12.60 million per month before applicable allowances and other payments.
Can dentists earn VND 100 million per month in Vietnam?
Some current private-sector vacancies advertise salary ranges reaching VND 100 million per month. These are higher-paying positions typically requiring several years of experience and should not be interpreted as the standard salary for all dentists.
Do dentists earn more in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?
Both cities have large private dental markets and more opportunities for specialist and high-volume private practice. Current high-paying vacancies are available in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but salary depends more on the employer, experience and compensation model than the city alone.
Which dental specialties can earn the most in Vietnam?
There is no official specialty salary ranking. In private practice, experience in implants, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry may increase earning potential because these treatments can be more complex and higher value.
Sources
Writer
Jonathan García-Allen
Psychologist, book author and digital strategist specializing in mental health. He co-founded Psicología y Mente, one of the world’s most visited mental health websites, with more than 20 million visits per month. He has more than 10 years of experience creating health content and helping psychologists, therapists and clinics grow their online presence through content, SEO and digital marketing
Medical review
Tan Nguyen
Medical writer for Vietnam Clinic. MD, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
