What Is the Average Salary of a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant plays a crucial role in the efficient operation of dental offices. They support dentists, ensure patient comfort, and manage various clinical and administrative tasks. Clinical duties can include preparing and sterilizing dental instruments or making dental impressions and molds. Dental assistants also ensure patients feel comfortable before and after procedures and maintain strict hygiene and sterilization protocols to reduce the risk of infection.
If you are considering enrolling in a training program, you may be wondering, “What is the average salary of a dental assistant?” Get in touch with Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting to learn more about how you can kickstart your career by enrolling in our dental assisting program.
How Much Do Dental Assistants Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a dental assistant is $46,540 per year. The number of jobs is estimated to increase by 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
However, dental assistant earnings can vary depending on whether they are paid an hourly wage or an annual salary. Many dental assistants are asked to work overtime hours, which affects their overall income. Other factors influencing pay include:
- Certifications
- Work setting
- Experience level
- The state where you practice
In the past several years, the demand for dental assistants has remained strong, reflecting the essential nature of the profession and the expanding scope of duties that dental assistants can perform in some states.
What Factors Influence a Dental Assistant’s Salary?
The national average salary for dental assistants provides a general idea of your earning potential, but several factors impact how much you could make. For example, dental assistants working in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living tend to receive higher wages. Conversely, dental assistant roles in rural areas typically offer lower salaries.
Like most health care professions, experience plays a role in determining your salary. A dental assistant who is new to the field will typically make far less than those with six or more years of experience.
Formal certification can also significantly impact your earning potential. Some states require you to complete a certification program, such as the Certified Dental Assistant examination recognized by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Job and Career Growth Opportunities
You could take several steps to increase your potential salary as a dental assistant. For example, becoming an expanded functions dental assistant enables you to perform additional duties, such as placing fillings or polishing teeth. Some states allow dental assistants with further education or certifications to take on an expanded role, which could increase earning capacity.
Some dental assistants choose to further their education and become dental hygienists, a role that offers higher pay and more responsibilities in patient care. A dental assisting program offers the opportunity to gain access to this healthcare field quickly while continuing your education.
Experienced dental assistants may move to front office roles, such as dental office managers, where they oversee scheduling, billing, and operations. You may also choose to specialize in orthodontics or oral surgery, which offers dental assistants a higher average income and opportunities for additional certification and career advancement.
Call Us To Discuss the Average Earning Potential for Dental Assistants
If you are interested in health and patient care, a career as a dental assistant offers a competitive average salary, job security, and opportunities for professional advancement and salary increases. If you want to explore how dental assisting can help you achieve your professional goals, reach out to Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting for more information about how our programs can influence your future.
