Dental Assistant Salary

This article has information about the average dental assistant salary along with the duties and educational requirements of dental assistants. So, read on to know more about this exciting profession.

The main aspect of the job of a dental assistant is to help dentists or dental hygienists perform surgeries. The growth in the medical field and especially in the dental care segment has increased the number of jobs available for the dental assistants. The salary for dental assistants has grown sharply over the years due to the growing demand for their skills. Before we know more about the dental assistant salary range, let us discuss the job description of a dental assistant in the next paragraph.

Job Description of a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are known to handle multiple responsibilities in dental health care centers. Apart from an important role in dental operations and surgeries, dental assistants also help patients to maintain good dental health by giving valuable tips and suggestions. This can help patients to avoid tooth decay and other dental problems. These assistants are also entrusted the important task of preserving past medical records of patients who have undergone treatment and consultation. This can prove helpful for reference purposes in the future. They are also required to take care of dental instruments and provide supplies for surgeries like dental implants and molds. Most dental assistants help dentists in taking the x-rays of teeth and also assist in controlling and managing dental inventory. They also help patients who seek an appointment with dentists for routine check-ups and treatments. At many places, dental assistants receive bill amounts from patients. Before we discuss the certified dental assistant salary per hour, let us get acquainted with the educational qualifications of dental assistants. The dental hygienist job description can give you more relevant information regarding some more responsibilities of dental assistants.

Dental assistants need to have a specific educational qualification to emerge successful in this field. After you complete your high school studies, you can seek admission to a college which will impart you full time training in dental assistance. Clearing the exam which is conducted by Dental Assisting National Board, can alone hep you become a certified dental assistant. You can consider the idea of taking admission to any college which is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation, as this will increase your chances of getting a well paid job. Apart from these educational qualifications, good communication skills, interpersonal skills, ability to interpret things fast and correctly, presence of mind and hard working nature are the qualities which are essential to make a mark in this field. The next paragraph has details about the registered dental assistant salary.

Salaries for Dental Assistants

Salary for dental assistants largely depend on the years of practical experience, location of job, educational qualifications, skills and type of employer. Dental assistants working for top notch hospital chains will naturally earn more than those who work for smaller hospitals. Dental assistants working in large metropolitan cities earn much more than those working in smaller cities. However, before you take up a job in such cities, you need to understand that cost of living and accommodation in such cities is much higher. The average dental assistant salary range is between $30,000 to $35,000 at most places. The highest paid dental assistants make over $40,000 per year while almost fifty percent of them make anything between $28,000 to $36,000 per year. Apart from the fixed salary, dental assistants also receive attractive bonuses, perks. Salary for dental assistants are equally good for both men and women.

From the data on average dental assistant salary, their job description and educational qualifications, we can conclude that this is an exciting field for new graduates and post graduates. So, try your best to explore these career opportunities and secure your financial future.