Dental Assistant: Career Information

Dental assistants perform office and laboratory duties and provide different types of patient care. They do not perform the same tasks that dental hygienists are licensed to perform.

Dental assistants held about 295,000 jobs in 2008. Most worked in dentists' offices. A few worked in physicians' offices or were employed by Federal, state or local governments.

Dental assistants usually learn their skills on the job, although some receive training from dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. High school students interested in a future career as a dental assistant should take courses in biology, chemistry, health, and office practices.

Dental assistants must be reliable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. In some states, dental assistants must be licensed or registered. They may be required to pass a written or practical exam. Dental assistants who perform specialized duties, such as radiological procedures, may have to complete the Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). In a few states, they may also have to pass a state-approved course in radiology.

Some dental assistants become office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives, but opportunities are limited for those without further education. Some dental assistants become dental hygienists after going back to school.

The job outlook for dental assistants is excellent. This occupation is projected to grow faster, through 2018, than other occupations that require only on-the-job training or experience (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Median hourly earnings for dental assistants were $15.98 in 2009. Median annual wages were $33,230 (U.S.).

Use the Salary Calculator at Salary.com to find out how much dental assistants currently earn in your city.

On a typical day a dental assistant who delivers patient care will:

• make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records;
• hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices;
• sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care;
• sometimes prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist;
• sometimes remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment;

On a typical day a dental assistant who performs laboratory duties will:

• make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions;
• clean and polish removable appliances;
• make temporary crowns;

On a typical day a dental assistant who performs office duties will:

• schedule and confirm appointments;
• receive patients;
• keep treatment records;
• send bills and receive payments;
• order supplies and materials;

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Dental Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm (visited April 20, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Dental Assistants, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/31-9091.00 (visited April 20, 2010).

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