700 dentists earn more than £200,000 a year

Figures relate to taxable income from both NHS and private work

The cheap imported devices could also pose a significant risk to dentists and dental nurses, say health officials (Rex Features)

About 700 dentists earn more than £200,000 a year - a drop on previous figures.

Of these, 200 earn more than £300,000 a year, while 150 earn £250,000 to £300,000.

The figures relate to taxable income from both NHS and private work among England and Wales's dentists in 2011/12

In 2010/11, 790 dentists earned more than £200,000 per year, according to the data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

There are 21,300 dentists in England and Wales, with 30 per cent of those earning between £50,000 and £75,000.

Another 18 per cent earn £75,000 to £100,000 while 22 per cent earn £25,000 to £50,000.

Those earning more than £300,000 per year represent the top 1 per cent of earners in dentistry.

Most (63 per cent) earned less than £75,000 in 2011/12.

PA