CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Dental assistants prepare patients for dental treatments, take dental x-rays and assist dentists with procedures.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$37,630
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
13,719
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Dental Assistant Job Description
Dental assistants are valuable members of the dental care team. They perform a variety of tasks ranging from patient care to office duties. They have the important job of preparing patients for dental treatments and helping them feel comfortable before, during and after treatments. They often assist dentists during procedures and treatments.
Dental assistants also keep the office running smoothly. They help maintain patient records and schedule appointments. They assist patients with billing and payments. They sterilize instruments and prepare treatment rooms.
Dental Assistant Job Responsibilities
Dental assistants may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Prepare patients for dental treatments
- Assist dentists during procedures and treatments
- Take and process dental x-rays
- Patient education
- Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after treatment
- Maintain patient records
- Schedule appointments
- Sterilize equipment
- Assist patients with billing and payments
Dental Assistant Salary
The actual salary of the dental assistant can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $37,630*
National average per hour: $18.09*
- $36,046 per year, $17.33 per hour**
- $32,365 per year, $15.56 per hour***
- $32,877 to $40,958 per year****
- $36,835 per year, $17.71 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Dental Assistant Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a dental assistant? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good job growth
- Can enter career quickly
- Varying job duties
- Great work environment
- Flexible working hours
Cons
- Working with bodily fluids
- Daily job can be busy and stressful
- Low pay
- Risk of exposure to infection and diseases
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Dental Assistant?
If you are considering a career as a dental assistant, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED
- Choose and complete the dental assistant program that works best for you: 1-year certificate / diploma program or 2-year associate’s degree program.
- Pass an exam to obtain certification. Certification is not always required, but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the dental assistant is at the beginning of the medical career pathway. A sample career path could look like this:
Dental Assistant > Dental Hygienist > Dentist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Certificate/diploma or associate’s degree
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience typically gained through training programs
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Manual dexterity
- Computer proficiency
- Superior knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
- Ability to work in fast paced, patient-focused environment
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques
- Caring and compassionate
Dental Assistant Certifications
Certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is voluntary in some states but is preferred by most employers. These are the certifications that are available:
- NELDA, National Entry Level Dental Assistant (DANB)
- CDA, Certified Dental Assistant (DANB)
- COA, Certified Orthodontic Assistant (DANB)
- CPFDA, Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (DANB)
- CRFDA, Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (DANB)
- RDA, Dental Assistant (AMT)
CPR/BLS certification by the American Heart Association is often required:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers (AHA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Dental Assistant Licenses
Some states require licensure. For specific requirements, contact your state’s Board of Dental Examiners.
Dental Assistant Training and Preparation
Once you have completed your dental assistant training program, it is time to prepare for a certification exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) organization. Although certification is not required in all states, most employers prefer dental assistants who are certified. Certification widens employment opportunities and shows dedication and confirmation of your knowledge.
Preparing for the exams can be done in many ways. Online practice tests are a great way to help you prepare and there are numerous ones available. Flashcards and exam prep books are other useful tools. The DANB and AMT websites have study guides, practice questions and other useful information to get you prepared for test day.
CPR/BLS certification is often required. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers several options for certification. They offer online courses, blended courses and traditional classroom setting training. Visit their website for more information.
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