In fact, the DANB salary survey shows that CDA certificates working in oral surgery and other specialties have the highest salaries. The report also revealed that, from increasing patient retention to anticipating the needs of the dentist, dental assistants play a huge role in the dentist's office. Using occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we have analyzed and compiled a summary of the average salary of a dental assistant by state in the United States. NELDA often serves as the ideal springboard for dental assistants working to achieve CDA through education or experience.
Dental assistants generally prepare equipment and supplies for the dentist before an exam or procedures, clean and sterilize equipment after the patient appointment, take and process x-rays, and update patient documentation. In addition to these tasks, you provide administrative assistance in the dental office, including filing medical records, answering phones, and scheduling appointments. The duties of a certified dental assistant depend on the type of office in which you work and the regulations and licenses required by your state. Orthodontic assistants help provide patient care and treatment to correct dental problems and straighten teeth.
The ten lowest states where dental assistants earn the least money are geographically located primarily in the United States. In the eyes of most employers, this makes sense, as experienced dental assistants bring an outstanding arsenal of skills and knowledge gained through years of on-the-job experience. Because of the lack of consistency from state to state, you'll always get good service if you complete a certificate or diploma program accredited by the CODA in dental assistance and earn the DANB CDA designation. Many of these top 10 states are also seeing their dental assistants' salaries increase substantially over the past five years.
A dental assistant with expanded functions (EFDA) performs functions beyond what many consider “traditional”, and each state defines what these functions are. Other functions of a surgical dental assistant include the use of suction hoses, delivering the dentist's instruments during the operation, and educating patients about oral hygiene. Learn about dental assistant programs by entering your zip code and requesting enrollment information. Read on for a full breakdown of where dental assistants make the most money and where they earn the least.
You must complete a CODA accredited program or have at least two years of experience as a dental assistant to qualify for the CDA designation.
