| Quick Facts: Dental Assistants | |
|---|---|
| 2019 Median Pay | $40,080 per year $19.27 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2018 | 346,000 |
| Job Outlook, 2018-28 | 11% (Much faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2018-28 | 38,700 |
What Dental Assistants Do
Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.
Work Environment
Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices. Most work full time.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
There are several possible paths to becoming a dental assistant. Some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. In other states, there are no formal educational requirements, and dental assistants learn through on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging population and ongoing research linking oral health and general health will lead to continued increases in the demand for preventive dental services.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dental assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dental assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about dental assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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