Dental assistants
SOC Code: 31-9091Also known as:
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Aide, Dental Assistant (DA), Dental Nurse
Median Annual Salary
$47,300
+6.4% growth (2024-2034)
53K
Openings/Year
382K
Current Jobs
What Dental assistants Do
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
💰 Salary
$47,300
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
53K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
381,900
Projected Employment (2034)
406,300
Related Careers
Dental hygienists
$94,260 •
+7.0% growth
Ophthalmic medical technicians
$44,080 •
+19.8% growth
Surgical assistants
$60,290 •
+5.1% growth
Medical assistants
$44,200 •
+12.5% growth
Healthcare support workers, all other
$46,050 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dental assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dental assistants:
Dental Assisting/Assistant
15,557 degrees awarded •
555 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dental assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dental assistants.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make?
The median annual salary for dental assistants is $47,300.
What education do dental assistants need?
Most dental assistants positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Dental Assisting/Assistant.
Is becoming dental assistants a good career choice?
Dental assistants is projected to see +6.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 52,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dental assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring dental assistants include
Tulsa Technology Center, MedQuest College, Mountainland Technical College, Unitek College, Westchester School for Medical & Dental Assistants.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dental assistants?
Dental assistants may also be known as: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Aide, Dental Assistant (DA), Dental Nurse, Dental Office Assistant, Dental Specialist, Dentist Attendant, Expanded Dental Assistant, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant, Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA), Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), General Practical Dental Assistant, Oral Surgery Assistant, Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant), Orthodontic Dental Assistant, Orthodontist Assistant, Pediatric Dental Assistant, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.