Caring properly for teeth is an important job, and people turn to dentists to help them keep their smile as clean and healthy as possible. Dentists work primarily in their own private offices, though some work with certain chain companies or nonprofit agencies, helping to provide quality care to people of all ages. Though dentists are certainly the most recognizable professionals in the dental industry, they rely on dental assistants and dental hygienists to help them provide quality services to a large number of patients. Dentists earn an average of $142,870, and most of them run their own practices or partnerships. Those dentists who are on salary generally earn less than the average. Dental hygienists and assistants are usually paid hourly and many are classified as only part-time workers. A few may be on salary.