Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants
Average Annual Wages, May 2021
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
In May 2021, the average annual wages for dental assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
$45,970
Offices of Dentists
$42,460
Outpatient Care Centers
$42,920
Employment Services
$41,880
Offices of Physicians
$40,250
Dental Assistants
Percent Change in Employment,
Projected 2021-31
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. Dentists will continue to hire dental assistants to complete routine tasks, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed.
As the large baby-boom population ages, and as people keep more of their original teeth than did previous generations, the need to maintain and treat teeth will continue to increase the need for dental care.
All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other Healthcare Support Occupations
12%
Dental Assistants
8%
Total, All Occupations
5%
Centura College is committed to connecting communities and careers!
A Dental Assistant performs several functions in a dental office, but the primary duty is to assist the dentist during chairside procedures.
Other duties include taking and processing x-rays, preparing dental instruments for patient treatment, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, and instructing patients on oral hygiene and care.
Laboratory duties an assistant may do include making temporary crowns, dentures, bridges, or other products, while office functions consist of scheduling appointments, receiving patients, processing payments and bills, and ordering supplies.
Centura College’s Dental Assisting program is accredited through CODA (The Commission on Dental Accreditation).
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