CAREER
Salary Median (2020)
$38,660
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+8.4% (as fast as the average)
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.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Dental Assistant (DA), Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Dental assistant
A great day is a day where you helped a child get over their fear at the dentist and just knowing you accomplish your job in a way of having fun and being fearless. There's no better feeling than that. Also improving on my hand on skills.
My day consists of observing and sometimes helping the Dentist get rid of cavities, pulling out teeth, etc. Sometimes I am allowed to assist with simple procedures like doing suction while the Dentist is shaping a tooth and grabbing instruments or supplies when needed.
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Post-secondary certificate (46%)
Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Dental assistant
Suggested Path
High School
Graduate
Dental Assisting/Assistant
Suggested Path
High School
Dental assistant
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
