Are you considering a career as a dental assistant? It's a great choice for those who are interested in the field of dentistry and have good manual dexterity and communication skills. But what type of salary can you expect to earn? Learn about salaries, benefits, salary satisfaction and where you could earn. Dental assistants with more experience and more credentials tend to earn more per hour than those who are new to the field. For example, dental assistants with expanded functions (EFDA) tend to earn more because they have taken on additional responsibilities and can perform additional roles in the dental office. Dental assistants support dentists during dental exams and procedures.
They are a vital part of any dental office, although their specific functions vary depending on the state and the offices where they work. To become a dental assistant, you must generally earn a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete a dental assistance program, which can be completed in about a year. You can also find data on the number of dental assistants in each state, as well as the number of dental assistants per 1000 jobs, a figure that can help you determine the popularity of the position in a given location. In addition to these tasks, you provide administrative assistance in the dental office, including filing medical records, answering phones, and scheduling appointments. Other functions of a surgical dental assistant include the use of suction hoses, the delivery of the dentist's instruments during the operation, and educating patients about oral hygiene. A pediatric dental assistant works in a dental office and provides oral health services for children. Dental assistants generally prepare equipment and supplies for the dentist before an exam or procedure, clean and sterilize the equipment after the patient's appointment, take and process x-rays, and update patient documentation.
As a pediatric dental assistant, your job duties include preparing exam rooms for children, placing a tray with smaller dental instruments, teaching children proper brushing and flossing practices, taking and developing x-rays of children's teeth, and applying dental sealants. Orthodontist assistants help provide care and treatment to patients to correct dental problems and straighten teeth. Whether or not to become a dental assistant depends on a number of factors, such as job growth, salary information, job requirements, and required education. A dental assistant with extended functions (EFDA) performs functions that go beyond what many consider “traditional”, and each state defines what those functions are. Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including dental offices, hospitals, and clinics. In general, salaries for dental assistants vary depending on experience level and credentials.
The National Board of Dental Assistance (DANB) publishes the DANB Salary Survey, which collects salary information for dental assistants from those who hold the certified dental assistant (CDA) certification from the DANB. This survey provides an overview of salaries across different regions in the United States. Overall, becoming a dental assistant can be a rewarding career option for those who are interested in dentistry. With experience and credentials, you can expect to earn higher salaries than those who are new to the field. If you're looking for an exciting career that offers competitive salaries and benefits, consider becoming a dental assistant.
