How Much Do Dental Assistants Make? A Detailed Insight
Choosing a career path is a significant decision, and one of the most critical factors influencing this choice is often potential income. If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, it’s essential to understand the earning potential within this field. However, it’s also important to note that salary isn’t everything — the career you choose should also be something you enjoy and find fulfilling.
Dental assisting is a profession that offers an interesting mix of patient care and administrative work. It’s an excellent choice for people who enjoy helping others, have good interpersonal skills, and enjoy a varied work environment. It’s also an area of healthcare that is predicted to see substantial growth over the next decade, making it a solid choice for job security and stability.
National Salary Averages for Dental Assistants
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for dental assistants in the United States was approximately $41,180 as of May 2020. This median wage represents the center of the dental assistant salary distribution, meaning half of dental assistants earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less.
To give an even broader view, the lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $28,940, while the top 10 percent in this field earned over $57,200. Remember, these figures are general and actual salaries can fluctuate depending on various aspects, such as geographical location, level of experience, and type of employer.
Factors Impacting a Dental Assistant’s Salary
The earning potential of a dental assistant can be influenced by several factors. Here are some key elements that can play a part:
Geographical Location
Different regions of the country have different costs of living and thus offer different wage levels. Generally, states with higher costs of living, like New York or California, tend to pay higher wages than states with lower costs of living. As of May 2020, the top-paying states for dental assistants were Minnesota, New Hampshire, Alaska, North Dakota, and Massachusetts.
Experience and Skills
In the field of dental assisting, experience matters. Entry-level dental assistants will generally earn less than their more experienced counterparts. As you gain more experience, develop your skills, and prove your competence, you can expect your salary to rise accordingly.
Workplace
Your workplace can also significantly influence your salary. Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Each of these settings may have different salary scales, benefits, and bonuses.
Education and Certification
While each state has its own requirements for dental assistants, having formal education or certification can make you more attractive to employers and potentially lead to higher pay. For instance, becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) indicates that you have a certain level of knowledge and competence, which employers may reward with higher compensation.
Job Outlook for Dental Assistants
The job prospects for dental assistants look promising. The BLS projects that employment for dental assistants will grow by 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, a rate faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth is due to research linking oral health to overall health, leading to increased demand for preventive dental services.
Moreover, as dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed to complete both administrative and clinical tasks. Dental assistants with advanced certification or training, particularly in areas such as preventive dental care, will likely have the best job prospects.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Career Choice
Choosing to become a dental assistant can be a rewarding decision, both personally and financially. This career offers a solid income, excellent job prospects, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
At 90 Day Dental Assistant, we understand the importance of providing a top-notch education that fits into your lifestyle. Our program is designed to be convenient, flexible, and self-paced, with a focus on preparing students for the RHS exam and ensuring they have the necessary skills to excel in their new career.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of dental assisting, including dental procedures, patient care, office administration, and much more. Our course includes live filmed video lectures, quizzes, and additional resources, all accessible from wherever you are.
One of the unique features of our program is the emphasis on career success after graduation. We offer assistance with resume writing and job placement, including coordination for externships. Our students have a remarkable 98% success rate of landing a job after completion of our program, demonstrating our commitment to our students’ future in dental assisting.
Becoming a dental assistant can be a satisfying and rewarding career choice. If you’re interested in entering a field with high demand, solid earning potential, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, dental assisting could be the perfect fit for you.
Remember, while salary is an essential factor, the real reward in dental assisting comes from the work itself — helping people, making them comfortable, and contributing to their overall health and well-being. If you’re ready to start your journey towards becoming a dental assistant, consider 90 Day Dental Assistant. Our program is designed to help you succeed, offering immediate access to course content, and the opportunity to learn at your own pace. Enroll now, and start your future in dental assisting today.