Dental assistants who hold the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential have the potential to earn more. Employers often prefer to hire a certified, professionally trained dental assistant than one who is “work-qualified” (OJT), because the certified assistant comes to work with basic dental knowledge, says Susan D. The shortage of qualified dental assistants and the high cost of living can often inflate salaries in a city or region. According to the BLS, the demand for dental assistants is expected to grow across the country and, especially, in countries where there are an increasing number of older Americans.
According to the DANB, dental assistants who hold the DANB CDA certification are likely to earn more than the national median reported by the BLS. Thanks to a thriving economy and a diverse population, the Twin Cities have a lot to offer dental workers. Areas where there are increasing numbers of older adults may be in greater demand, as people tend to need more complex dental care and treatment as they age. The average salaries of dental assistants and other statistics were taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS predicts that job opportunities for dental assistants will continue to increase at a rate of 7% through 2032. Formal education provided by an accredited dental care program can help you qualify for professional certification, a credential that can increase your career opportunities.
One of these options includes a dental assistant program that you can complete in as little as 10 months. Bentley-Camizzi, CDA, BSDH, MSEd, President-elect of the American Association of Dental Assistants (ADAA). The highest salaries for dental assistants are spread across the country and are likely to occur in states that have a shortage of qualified dental assistants. The position of dental assistant is a highly sought after allied health position that includes clinical and administrative tasks.
