There is an increasing demand for dental assistants across the nation as healthcare services change. Presently, a shortage of personnel exists in Virginia.
Dental assistants serve as chair side, circulating, and practice management team members.
Careers as office managers, insurance claims processors, sales representatives, and educators offer other opportunities. Many work in solo dental practices, group practices, specialty practices, public health settings, hospital dental clinics, military installations, and schools. Salaries for dental assistants will vary according to geographic locations, job responsibilities, expertise, and education. An assistant who is formally educated is an asset to the practice because less time is in training. Dental assistants earn salaries equal to other health care personnel with similar training and experience.