How much does a Dental Assistant make?

The average salary for a Dental Assistant is $43,432 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 11796 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Dental Assistant employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Dental Assistant in United States is $51,027 per year.

The lowest salary for a Dental Assistant in United States is $37,058 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Dental Assistant or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Dental Assistant.

Dental assistants are compensated similarly to other medical assistants. Dental assistant pay is expected to grow over the next decade, as an aging American population and increasing demand for preventative care drive pay increases for all healthcare services. Dental assistants typically earn similar pay whether they work for the government, dentists’ offices or physician offices. Most dental assistants work full time, including some evenings or weekends.

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Around 63% of dental assistants on Glassdoor feel they earn a fair salary. A good dental assistant salary may include around $1,413.88 in additional pay, and certified professionals are likely to make more. You could also earn more as a senior or lead dental assistant.

Typically, your income as a dental assistant will increase with seniority and qualification level, although where you live can also be a factor. Including bonuses and commission, the average dental assistant earns around $43,431.94 with a base salary of $42,018.06. However, you could make between $32,142.05 and $58,954.08 in total, depending on your progress along the usual dental assistant career path.

Many organizations prefer to hire graduate dental assistants. Therefore, obtaining an associate's degree in dental assisting or a related subject can increase your options and help you progress to higher-paid roles more quickly. Although a 4-year degree isn't usually necessary, a bachelor's degree in applied science could make you a more competitive candidate for the best jobs.

Earning certification from the Dental Assisting National Board or a similar organization can also boost your salary as a dental assistant, especially if you choose an in-demand specialty. Various options are available, including Certified Orthodontic Assistant, Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant, and Dental Infection Prevention and Control qualifications.

Whether you're searching for a new dental assistant job or already work in the industry, you'll want to ensure you receive a fair salary. Giving stellar answers to the employer's questions in the job interview can help you highlight your abilities. However, it's also important to explain precisely how your skills can benefit patients and the company's bottom line.

Whenever possible, evidencing your skills with hard facts can help make your arguments more persuasive. For example, you may wish to have impressive sales figures on hand if your role involves selling products. Alternatively, you could cite patient satisfaction ratings to demonstrate excellent customer care and communication skills.