Dental Assistant

October 30, 2016

Dental Assistant Job Description

Dental Assistant Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Dental Assistant is $30696 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $42462. The lowest salary reported was $21133. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Dental Assistant is $15.26 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $21.11. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $10.51. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Dental Assistant are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $246.58 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Dental Assistant. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $17,269 – $50,671
Florida – $24,240 – $43,278
Illinois – $21,674 – $46,634
New York – $20,273 – $49,316
Oklahoma – $15,456 – $38,783
Texas – $19,271 – $39,866
Virginia – $19,727 – $58,305

These are the highest paying cities for a Dental Assistant. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
New York, New York –
Houston, Texas –
Chicago, Illinois –
Richmond, Virginia –
Tulsa, Oklahoma –
Atlanta, Georgia –
St. Louis, Missouri –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Dental Assistant from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $30696 while in 2007 it was just $28466.93

Specialized Fields

There are several venues available to the assistants, who wish to advance in their carriers. Dental Assisting National Board now offers the following:
1. Certified Dental Assistant- requires at least 2 years of full time employment, completion of Radiology, Infection Control and Chairside exams. CDA title is awarded when all tests are successuly achieved. More job opportunities at higher salary range will be possible. Annual renewal required by obtaining 12 Continuing Education credits and yearly fee of $60.
2. Certified Orthodontic Assistant- Othodontic Assisting Na Infection Control Components must be completed to receive the title of COA. Dental Assistants salary will be higher within the specialty of Orthodontics.
3. Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant – presently required by law in several states the testing must be completed in order to obtain any position as dental Assistant.
4. Fellow of American Dental Assistants Association- Requires obtaining 300 hours of Continuing Education credits within a period of 10 years. Official annual ceremony held at different locations to recognize this achievement.
5. Masters of American Dental Assistants Association- Requires obtaining 150 hours of Continuing Education credits plus 150 hours of hands-on dental courses. Some credits might be reached by providing voluntary service in the community.

How To Become a Dental Assistant

The requirements for the job of Dental Assistant are simple: great personality, patience and ability to work with the public in a professional manner. Presently many states also require Radiology License which requires passing difficult test; however it does not require annual renewals and is valid for the rest of the individual’s carrier. The test can be completed by sending an application form to Dental assisting National Board with an appropriate fee, presently set at $ 150. The exam can be re-taken as many times as necessary if needed. Testing centers are located in every state and offer online testing providing immediate results upon completion.

Job Outlook

Gender Statistics

Related Jobs

96%

Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 4% of Dental Assistants were males while 96% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.

Past Jobs

Waiter/Waitress
$7,555 – $34,375
Cashier
$14,181 – $23,291
Customer Service Representative (CSR)
$19,523 – $41,590

Future Jobs

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
$23,168 – $47,923
Dental Assistant (Certified)
$21,122 – $42,690
X-Ray Certified Dental Assistant
$21,163 – $40,994