A Career on the Rise
If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant—or already working in the field—there’s good news: salaries for dental assistants have surged in recent years, and the upward trend shows no sign of slowing.
According to Indeed, the average base salary for a dental assistant in the U.S. is $19.14 per hour. However, this figure doesn’t tell the whole story. From 2018 to 2023, salaries and demand for skilled assistants have increased dramatically, particularly for those holding advanced certifications.
The EFDA Certification: A Game-Changer
One standout factor behind the salary boom is the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification. This credential allows dental assistants to perform more advanced tasks—such as placing fillings, polishing teeth, and applying sealants—freeing up time for dentists and boosting overall office efficiency.
Here’s what makes EFDA such a powerful tool for career growth:
- EFDA-related job demand has increased by 1600% since 2018 (Indeed)
- Dental assistants with EFDA certification earn 7.51% more than the national average
If you’re making $19.14/hr as a base, that extra 7.51% pushes your rate to around $20.58/hr—and that’s just the starting point. In cities with high demand, pay can go even higher.
Why the Big Jump in Pay?
Several factors are contributing to the dramatic salary increase:
- Growing demand for dental services post-pandemic
- Shortages of qualified dental staff nationwide
- Higher patient volumes and more complex procedures
- The shift toward delegating more responsibilities to trained dental assistants
As dentists rely more on assistants for routine procedures and patient care, those with advanced training are becoming indispensable.
Maximize Your Earning Potential
If you’re a current dental assistant or thinking about entering the field, now is the time to level up:
- Pursue an EFDA certification through your state board or an accredited program
- Stay current with CE courses and industry trends
- Leverage salary insights from sites like Indeed and Glassdoor to negotiate better pay
Final Thoughts
Dental assisting isn’t just a job—it’s a growing career path with incredible potential. Salaries have climbed sharply over the past five years, and certified professionals are in high demand.
By investing in certifications like EFDA, you can not only boost your pay but also take on more responsibility and make a bigger impact in your practice. The numbers don’t lie: this is a career worth growing in.
Source: Indeed Salary Data, 2023