How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make?

Dental assistants specialize in oral care in a dental office setting, work in conjunction with the dentist. Dental assistants are not the same as dental hygienists, who are licensed to conduct clinical tasks like teeth cleaning without the supervision of the dentist.

Education

• As of 2006, 269 programs to train dental assistants were approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation through the American Dental Association (ADA). Programs can take a year or less to complete and 2-year programs completed at a junior or community college lead to an associate's degree. Programs of 4 to 6 months or less are available but not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dentist assistants can also learn on the job.

Licenses

• States vary regarding licenses. Most states regulate dental assistants and the duties that can be performed but some require a license or registration including a practical exam, others allow prospective dental assistants to complete state sanctioned courses to practice, some require little or no education to pursue a career as a dental assistant and a few states allow dental assistants to perform whatever tasks are assigned by the dentist.

Salary

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2006, the median earnings per hour for a dental assistant were $14.53, the middle 50 percent earned between $11.94 and $17.44, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.87 and the highest 10 percent of dental assistants earned $20.69.

Work environment

• Dental assistants prepare tools and materials for x-rays, dental casts and temporary crowns. Other duties include laying out instruments, sterilizing and disinfecting equipment and removing sutures. Office duties include gathering patient records, interacting with patients, confirming appointments and ordering supplies.

Considerations

• According to the American Dental Association, 87 percent of dentists offer continuing education reimbursement to dental assistants. Availability of benefits can vary widely depending on the dentist office and if the position is full time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 35 percent of dental assistants work part time and in multiple dentist offices.