What Do Dental Assistant Do?
Dental Assistant Definition Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
Daily Life Of a Dental Assistant
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
- Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
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Skills Needed to be a Dental Assistant
Below is a list of the skills most Dental Assistants say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Other Dental Assistant Job Titles
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental Nurse
- Dental Assistant (DA)
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant
- Dentist Attendant
Job Demand for Dental Assistants
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 332,000 jobs in the United States for Dental Assistant. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 64,600 new jobs for Dental Assistant by 2026. The BLS estimates 45,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Dental Assistant are Arizona, Maryland, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Mississippi, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Dental Assistant
The average yearly salary of a Dental Assistant ranges between $26,940 and $54,800.
Dental Assistants who work in Minnesota, New Hampshire, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Dental Assistants make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $33,650 |
| Alaska | $47,330 |
| Arizona | $40,680 |
| Arkansas | $34,080 |
| California | $41,030 |
| Colorado | $40,390 |
| Connecticut | $44,520 |
| Delaware | $41,060 |
| District of Columbia | $49,220 |
| Florida | $39,590 |
| Georgia | $36,710 |
| Hawaii | $38,860 |
| Idaho | $34,800 |
| Illinois | $39,370 |
| Indiana | $40,790 |
| Iowa | $41,100 |
| Kansas | $37,040 |
| Kentucky | $36,060 |
| Louisiana | $32,340 |
| Maine | $42,250 |
| Maryland | $42,080 |
| Massachusetts | $46,070 |
| Michigan | $37,140 |
| Minnesota | $49,880 |
| Mississippi | $32,900 |
| Missouri | $38,350 |
| Montana | $37,310 |
| Nebraska | $36,860 |
| Nevada | $38,240 |
| New Hampshire | $48,760 |
| New Jersey | $43,110 |
| New Mexico | $34,870 |
| New York | $39,130 |
| North Carolina | $41,790 |
| North Dakota | $46,640 |
| Ohio | $38,960 |
| Oklahoma | $36,550 |
| Oregon | $43,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,200 |
| Rhode Island | $43,710 |
| South Carolina | $39,750 |
| South Dakota | $37,820 |
| Tennessee | $37,610 |
| Texas | $36,820 |
| Utah | $31,280 |
| Vermont | $42,640 |
| Virginia | $44,640 |
| Washington | $43,680 |
| West Virginia | $31,410 |
| Wisconsin | $38,630 |
| Wyoming | $35,220 |
What Tools & Technology do Dental Assistants Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dental Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Intuit Quicken
- Henry Schein Dentrix
- Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft
- Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Learn what Dental Assistant education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant?
Dental Assistants Sector
Dental Assistants work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Dental Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Dental Assistant sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Sgt. Dallas Edwards via Public domain
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