U.S. dentists' incomes projected to rise

U.S. dentists' incomes will rise 1.6% in 2010, according to projections by IbisWorld market research company. That will make dentistry one of the company's "best performing industries" of the new year.

Because patients are hanging onto their teeth later in life, they have more need for dentists, Ibis said in a new report. The company said elective procedures are becoming more popular with improvements in technology.

Dentistry revenues increased 0.7% in 2009, Ibis reported. Other reports gave a mixed picture of dental incomes in the recession that began in December 2007. In surveys commissioned by the ADA, dentists reported a drop in income in 2008 and the first half of 2009, but Sageworks, which surveys dentists accountants, said incomes were actually up for 2008 (it has not yet produced a 2009 report).

Ibis said total U.S. dental industry revenue was $103,292.4 million in 2009. It said the industry employs 876,753 people in 167,500 establishments and pays wages totaling $37,193.5 million.