Your salary as a dental assistant may increase with experience, certifications, industry, and other factors. Your earning potential as a dental assistant is influenced by many factors, such as where you live, the experience you have, and the type of office you work in. Since everyone wants to know how to earn more, we've analyzed the data to find the main things you can do to maximize your earning potential. Regardless of the state in which you live, if you live in a small or large city, it can make a difference in your hourly wage.
According to both surveys, dental assistants who work in a metropolitan area earn the most. Of course, the cost of living may be higher there, so it's worth taking a closer look at factors other than salary to see if it's worth moving. In addition, our survey shows that CDA certifiers also reported receiving more work benefits, such as paid vacations and holidays, compared to those who are not certified. To learn more about the professional benefits of obtaining DANB certification, see why DANB certification matters.
Dental assistants with more experience and more credentials tend to earn more per hour than those who are new to the field. For example, dental assistants with expanded functions (EFDA) tend to earn more because they have taken on additional responsibilities and can perform additional functions in the dental office. The allowed expanded roles and dental assistant job titles vary by state, but some examples of expanded role credentials you might obtain are EFDA, RDAEF, or EDDA, to name a few. If you want to increase your salary by performing expanded functions, the first step is to review your state requirements.
While general dental offices are the most common, consider exploring other types of offices. You may find that learning additional skills can lead to an increase in compensation. For example, looking for a position in a specialized office may be a good option. In fact, the DANB salary survey shows that CDA certificates working in oral surgery and other specialties have the highest salaries.
Research shows that those who request increases are more likely to receive them. But before you do this, it's important that you also do your homework to be prepared for this conversation with your employer. First, you'll want to describe all the ways you contributed to dental practice last year. You'll also want to check the average salaries of dental assistants in your area.
You can check the salaries of all dental assistants or the salaries of DANB CDA certificates. Once you've gathered your information, you can start thinking about how to ask your employer for a raise. Call or email us to let us know how we can help. With the health industry growing by leaps and bounds every year, people looking for an opportunity to start an exciting new career are looking for their niche in the medical field.
For those who enjoy the idea of making their patients' smiles as white and bright as possible, a career as a dental assistant may be the right option for them. Dental assistants work closely with licensed dentists, helping them prepare patients and manage necessary documentation. To become a dental assistant, most states require people to complete some form of training and licensing before starting work. Learn about dental assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.
While some dental offices are willing to provide the practical training needed to get started in this industry, most dentists prefer to hire dental assistants who have completed some type of secondary training before applying. This training is often done at a trade school, community college, or technical institute, and most higher education schools offer some type of training program for dental assistants. Since becoming a dental assistant doesn't require a college degree, many aspiring dental assistants choose to earn their professional certificate. These certificates are specifically designed to focus primarily on the skills needed to become a dental assistant, teaching students the exact skills and techniques they will one day use on the job.
Since classes are often taught by professionals with many years of real-world experience, students will find that a day in class and a day at work are very similar. The certification program, which takes more than 18 months to complete, qualifies individuals for additional job offers and career opportunities in this field of specialization. Students in this program, which will take between two and three years to complete, will receive hours of practical training, and some universities will require students to complete external placements in community dental offices in order to graduate. Regarding licensing, aspiring dental assistants must pass the national certification exam conducted by the National Dental Assistance Board (DANB).
Upon successful completion of the exam, students can earn their certified dental assistant (CDA) credential, and most states require this credential to legally work as dental assistants. Because of the enormous growth expected for the dental industry, many offices and offices offer promotion opportunities for those with the right education and work experience. Upon graduation, dental assistants who have a career certificate or associate's degree qualify for entry-level positions within the industry. Depending on the company, promotion opportunities are available to those with at least five years of experience as a dental assistant.
For those who are ready to begin an exciting career as dental assistants, the first step is to start researching the different schools and programs that interest them most. CODA accredited schools will have the most weight among future employers, helping graduates to excel more in competitive positions and opportunities for promotion. With a little hard work and determination, people can become dental assistants for a promising career of promotion opportunities and job stability. While dental assistants are paid relatively well, their average annual salary falls short of the minimum wage needed in the United States.
Using occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we analyzed and compiled a summary of the average salary of a dental assistant by state in the U. As with most healthcare positions, the number of dental assistants is expected to increase much faster than the national average for employment, providing numerous opportunities for promotion for those with several years of experience. Before enrolling in the first dental assistant training program presented, individuals must verify the accreditation of their preferred program. Read on for a full breakdown of where dental assistants make the most money and where they earn the least.
Many of these top 10 states are also seeing their dental assistants' salaries increase substantially over the past five years. The 10 lowest states where dental assistants earn the least money are geographically located primarily in the U. . .
