Job satisfaction of dentists is important, as dentists are critical in the delivery of comprehensive health care. Whilst job satisfaction among dentists has been widely investigated elsewhere, it is poorly researched in South Africa. To assess job satisfaction among dentists working in Tshwane district. A cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a self-administered, validated, modified questionnaire adapted from the Dentists' Satisfaction Survey. Demographic data and the responses associated with job satisfaction in various settings were collected. Two of the questions were qualitative and open-ended. Data were analysed using statistical software package (STATA) version 10. Ethical clearance was obtained and all data were anonymous. The response rate was 77% and 53 %(41) of respondents were female. Perception of income, relationships with patients and personal time were significantly positively associated with job satisfaction. Patient happiness with treatment, the autonomy and flexibility of private practice and imparting knowledge also contributed to job satisfaction. Unrealistic expectations of patients, long working hours, restricted funding and lack of equipment contributed to job dissatisfaction. Overall the dentists were satisfied, however, satisfaction and dissatisfaction were conditional and influenced by factors such as perception of income and unrealistic patient expectations. Job satisfaction, dentists, settings. Morale in the workplace, or job satisfaction, has been the subject of much research. This is mainly because, either as an individual or as an important interrelated factor, job satisfaction forms a significant part of the literature in Human Resource Management. 1 Importantly, job satisfaction influences productivity and performance, as well as the quality of life. One author defined the concept of job satisfaction as the pleasurable emotional state from the appraisal of one's job. 2 Employee job satisfaction is recognised as a multifaceted construct that includes the feelings of employees about a variety of both intrinsic and extrinsic job elements. 3 It has been reported that intrinsic factors are factors such as the nature of the job itself and the opportunity for growth, which are internally mediated rewards. 3