The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO DENTAL ASSISTING DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT DENTAL ASSISTANTS DO
Dental assistants’ duties may vary depending on the dental clinic, but the following is a general list of duties that dental assistants can expect to encounter on the job.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $41,170
Top 5 States
1. Minnesota
$52,220
2. Alaska
$49,350
3. New Hampshire
$49,280
4. Massachusetts
$48,770
5. North Dakota
$47,140
Bottom 5 States
50. West Virginia
$32,710
49. Utah
$32,740
48. Mississippi
$32,770
47. Louisiana
$33,300
46. Alabama
$33,390
STEPS TO BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT
The steps to become a Dental Assistant vary state by state. In some states, there are no education requirements to become a Dental Assistant and one can receive on-the-job training. Here are some requirements that some states have:
- Radiography Requirement: This is in order to legally operate x-ray equipment
- Education Requirement: Attending a Dental Assisting program
- Licensure: Taking the test to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
1. Enter a Dental Assisting Program
Most Dental Assisting programs take around 1 year to complete.
2. Become Certified as a CDA
Take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination (DANB) to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This is a requirement for 38 states in the U.S.
3. Find a Job as a Dental Assistant
Use the connections you made through your Dental Assisting program to help find out which clinics are hiring.
QUALITIES OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS
Detail Oriented
Dental assistants must follow specific rules and protocols when helping dentists treat patients.
Dexterity
Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands and be able to use precise tools and instruments.
Interpersonal Skills
Dental assistants work closely with both dentists and patients. They need to be considerate in working with patients who are sensitive to pain or have a fear of undergoing dental treatment.
Listening Skills
Dental assistants must pay attention to patients and other healthcare workers. They need to follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist so they can help treat patients and do tasks such as taking x-rays.
Organizational Skills
Dental assistants need to have the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient, and they need to maintain patient schedules and office records.