### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dental Assistants Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			dental assistants imageDental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments.							
						Quick Facts:     Dental Assistants2023     Median Pay
            						$46,540     per year
										$22.38     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Postsecondary nondegree awardWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    371,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    7% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    25,700What 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 $46,540 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of dental assistants is projected to grow							 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 55,100 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						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.
 What Dental Assistants Do 
            

			Dental assistantsAssistants prepare and organize tools needed by dentists to work on a patient.			
Dental assistants have many tasks, including patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices in which they work.
Duties
Dental assistants typically do the following:
Ensure that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
Sterilize dental instruments
Hand instruments to dentists during procedures
Dry patients’ mouths using suction hoses and other equipment
Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
Process x rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
Keep records of dental treatments
Schedule patient appointments
Work with patients on billing and paymentDental assistants often spend much of their day working closely with patients and dentists. For example, dental assistants might take a patient’s medical history, blood pressure, and pulse before a procedure; explain what will be done; and talk to patients about oral care. They help dentists during a procedure by passing instruments and holding equipment such as suction hoses, matrix bands, and dental curing lights. Other tasks include preparing the treatment room and making sure that instruments and equipment are sterile. Dental assistants also may document the procedure that is done and schedule followup appointments.
Some dental assistants are specially trained to take x rays of teeth and the surrounding areas. They place a protective apron over patients’ chest and lap, position the x-ray machine, place the x-ray sensor or film in patients’ mouths, and take the x rays. Afterward, dental assistants ensure that the images are clear.
Assistants who perform lab tasks, such as taking impressions of a patient’s teeth, work under the direction of a dentist. They may prepare materials for dental impressions or temporary crowns.
Each state regulates the scope of practice for dental assistants. Some states let dental assistants polish teeth to remove stains and plaque from the enamel or apply sealants, fluoride, or topical anesthetic.
 Work Environment
			Dental assistantsDental assistants provide support to dentists as they work on patients.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Dental assistants held about 371,000 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of dental assistants were as follows:
        Offices of dentists
                90%Offices of physicians
                2Government
                2Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and work closely with dental hygienists in their day-to-day activities.
Dental assistants wear safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases. They also must follow safety procedures to minimize risks associated with x-ray machines.
Work Schedules
Most dental assistants work full time. Some work evenings or weekends.
 How to Become a Dental Assistant

			Dental assistantsSometimes, patients are in extreme pain and/or mental distress, so the assistant should be sensitive to their emotions.			
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.
Education
Some states require dental assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. Most programs are offered by community colleges, although they also may be offered by vocational or technical schools.
Many dental assisting programs take about 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Programs that last 2 years are less common and lead to an associate’s degree. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), part of the American Dental Association, accredits about 250 dental assisting training programs.
Accredited programs include classroom and laboratory work. Students learn about teeth, gums, jaws, and other areas that dentists work on and the instruments that dentists use. These programs also include supervised practical experience.
High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in anatomy, biology, and chemistry.
Training
Dental assistants who do not have formal education in dental assisting may learn their duties through on-the-job training. In the office, a dental hygienist, dentist, or experienced dental assistant teaches the new assistant dental terminology, the names of the instruments, how to complete daily tasks, how to interact with patients, and other activities necessary to help keep the dental office running smoothly.
Important Qualities
***Detail oriented.*** Dental assistants must follow specific rules and protocols, such as infection control procedures, when helping dentists treat patients.
***Dexterity.*** Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, using precise tools and instruments.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Dental assistants work closely with dentists. They also must be considerate in working with patients who are sensitive to pain or have a fear of undergoing dental treatment.
***Listening skills.*** Dental assistants must pay attention to patients and other healthcare workers. They need to follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist so they can help treat patients and do tasks, such as taking x rays.
***Organizational skills.*** Dental assistants should have excellent organizational skills. They need to have the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient, and they need to maintain patient schedules and office records.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
States typically do not require licenses for entry-level dental assistants. Some states require dental assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified for entry or advancement. For example, states may require assistants to meet specific licensing requirements in order to work in radiography (x ray), infection control, or other specialties. For specific requirements, contact your state’s Board of Dental Examiners.
States that allow assistants to perform expanded duties, such as coronal polishing, require that they be licensed, registered, or hold certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To earn certification from DANB, applicants must pass an exam. The educational requirements for DANB certification are that dental assistants must either have graduated from an accredited program or have a high school diploma and complete the required amount of work experience. Applicants also must have current certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Dental AssistantsMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Dental assistants$46,540  Other healthcare support occupations$43,330Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for dental assistants was $46,540 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $61,060.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for dental assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Government
                $49,650Offices of dentists
                46,580Offices of physicians
                43,110Most dental assistants work full time. Some work evenings or weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Dental AssistantsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Other healthcare support occupations11%  Dental assistants7%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of dental assistants is projected to grow				 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 55,100 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to increase demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire dental assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing dentists to work more efficiently. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed.
The large baby-boom population continues to enter older age groups, which typically have more problems related to oral health than younger people do. In addition, people keep more of their original teeth now than in previous generations, leading to continued increases in the need for dental care to maintain and treat teeth.
			

                        Employment projections data for     dental assistants, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Dental assistants**
			31-9091
			371,000
			396,700
			7
			25,700
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Dental assistants **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dental assistants. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians**
            Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $44,640**Dental Hygienists**
            Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene.
            Associate's degree
            $87,530**Dentists**
            Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $170,910**Medical Assistants**
            Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $42,000**Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides**
            Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
            See How to Become One
            $65,450**Pharmacy Technicians**
            Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $40,300**Phlebotomists**
            Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $41,810**Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides**
            Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
            See How to Become One
            $58,740**Surgical Assistants and Technologists**
            Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $60,370**Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers**
            Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and others with their daily tasks.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $36,440
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about becoming a dental assistant and for a list of accredited dental assistant programs, visit
American Dental Assistants Association
Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association
For more information about becoming a Certified Dental Assistant and for a list of state boards of dentistry, visit
Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Dental Assistants
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Assistants, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm (visited *May 06, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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