If you have a passion for helping others, want to work in healthcare, and are not squeamish about working around people’s mouths, then a career in dental assisting may be an excellent career for you!
This article will discuss what a dental assistant is, tasks they perform, salary information, the career outlook, educational requirements to become one, and everything else you need to get started in the career.
We Found The Following Schools with Online Dental Assistant Programs
Dental assistants provide support within a dental organization and help patients take care of their dental hygiene. The profession works directly with dentists and dental hygienists. They usually work in an office setting, providing care to patients of all ages who need dental care.
Dental assistants are a vital part of the dental team and assist with various office tasks and other clinical support.
Most patients see a dental assistant as the first point of contact within a dental office. For that reason, dental assistants must possess a caring nature that can help put a nervous patient at ease, especially those who fear going to the dentist’s office.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the 2023 annual median salary for dental assistants was $46,540 per year or $22.38 per hour. The highest ten percent earned more than $61,060, and the bottom ten percent earned less than $35,470.
However, many factors play into your overall earnings as a dental assistant, such as where you live, your years of experience, and whether you work full-time or part-time.
According to the BLS, the highest-paying states for dental assistants are:
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Minnesota | $62,760 | $30.17 |
| Massachusetts | $56,810 | $27.31 |
| Oregon | $55,960 | $26.90 |
| District of Columbia | $55,100 | $26.49 |
| New Hampshire | $54,190 | $26.06 |
The BLS also states that in 2023, the mean annual wage for dental assistants was dependent on what industry you worked in:
- Government – $49,650
- Dental Offices – $46,580
- Physician Offices – $43,110
On some occasions, dental assistants are also required to work weekends and may have opportunities for overtime, which may also be a way to increase wages.
We Found The Following Schools with Online Dental Assistant Programs
Dental assistants work in various dental practices, including dental clinics, dental surgery centers, and orthodontist offices. The job description does not include assisting directly with dental treatments the way dental hygienists do. Instead, they perform various office management and clinical tasks, which include:
- Managing patient records
- Scheduling and sending reminders for patient appointments
- Managing patient billing and insurance
- Managing and ordering office supplies
- Managing and ordering dental services supplies
- Assisting with cleanings and other dental procedures
- Ordering x-rays
- Cleaning and setting up dental materials in exam rooms
- Educating patients about maintaining dental health at home
Some essential characteristics of a great dental assistant include compassion, patience, a passion for patient care, and attention to detail. In addition, dental assistants must also follow patient privacy guidelines and comply with a high standard of safety and health protocols.
Becoming a dental assistant takes about ten months to two years, depending on whether you attend a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree program. Dental assistants can receive their education through different academic programs, including:
- Technical institutes
- Vocational schools
- Community colleges
- Universities
- Dental schools
Whatever educational path you choose, these are the steps you need to follow to become a dental assistant.
The minimum requirement to attend a dental assistant program is a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Attend a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) – this is mandatory to be eligible for certification testing after graduation.
Dental assisting programs take about a year or two to complete depending on the program you choose to attend. Certificate and diploma programs are usually the fastest and take about 9 to 15 months to complete. An associate’s degree in dental assistance usually takes two years to complete. Check with your school to see what financial aid options are available to you.
It may be tempting to take the fastest route to achieve your education. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s degree over a diploma or certificate program. Having an associate’s degree education may give you an edge during interviews as well.
In addition, if you decide to advance your career later, having an associate’s degree will make it easier and faster for you to complete a bachelor’s program.
As a part of your coursework, dental assistant programs generally require that you complete an externship to gain hands-on training before graduation. During an externship, students get an opportunity to perform “chairside assistance” to a dentist during procedures. This type of assistance is referred to by many in the industry as “four-handed dentistry.”
Some programs will allow you to choose a dental assistant specialty such as orthodontic, periodontic, or pediatric dental care.
Complete all licensing requirements per your state’s dental board (each state varies on requirements). Or visit the Dental Assistant National Board’s (DANB) website for more information.
Many dental assistant positions require at least one year of experience, so you will need to be open and apply for as many entry-level positions as you can until you get your first job. Consider applying where you had your externship since you already have a foot in the door.
The CANB offers three Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certifications, which include:
- Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
- 100-question multiple-choice exam that takes 1.25 hours
- General Chairside Assisting (GC)
- 120-question multiple-choice exam that takes 1.5 hours
- Infection Control (ICE)
- 100-question multiple-choice exam that takes 1.25 hours
You may take the three certification exams individually or all at once. It is not required to have certifications before obtaining your first job and working as a dental assistant. However, having additional certifications will help show your employer that you are prepared to excel in the position and may offer higher earnings.
The job outlook is bright for those working in the dental field. According to the BLS, there’s a need for an 7% growth in careers for nursing assistants from 2022-2032, which is faster than the average for all professions.
The higher-than-average job growth in the profession is partly due to an increased awareness of how optimal oral health improves your overall physical health. Also, the growing baby boomer population is driving the need for more dental care.
Continuing education (CE) requirements for dental assistants vary depending on your state. Many states, such as Arizona, Colorado, and Connecticut, do not require any CE requirements to renew your dental assistant license.
However, other states such as California, Alaska, and Maine require completing as many as 25 CE credits to renew your license.
To maintain licensure, dental assistants must renew their licenses every two years. It is essential to check your state’s CE requirements to ensure you understand your state’s specific requirements.
