Dental Assistants in Kentucky
Considering working as a Dental Assistants in Kentucky? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Dental Assistants Make in Kentucky?
For a dental assistants working in Kentucky, the median annual wage is $46,520 per year (or about $22.37/hour).Annual wages span from $29,500 at the 10th percentile to $59,300 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,500 | $14.18 |
| 25th percentile | $37,640 | $18.09 |
| Median (50th) | $46,520 | $22.37 |
| 75th percentile | $54,970 | $26.43 |
| 90th percentile | $59,300 | $28.51 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Kentucky relative to the national average — is 0.88, indicating fewer dental assistants per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, dental assistants earn a median of $25,445 per year ($12.23/hour), exceeding the Kentucky median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 535,056 dental assistants in the U.S.. In Kentucky alone, about 4,250 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 4,450 dental assistants.
Top Kentucky Metros for Dental Assistants
The largest metro-area employers of dental assistants in Kentucky.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 1,460 | $49,160 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 710 | $47,020 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | 180 | $46,040 |
| Owensboro, KY | 130 | $44,020 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 120 | $44,850 |
Top States for Dental Assistants Employment
The table below shows the states where the most dental assistants work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 54,580 |
| Texas | 31,360 |
| Florida | 23,020 |
| New York | 19,700 |
| Illinois | 15,620 |
| Washington | 13,330 |
| Pennsylvania | 12,410 |
| Michigan | 11,830 |
| Ohio | 11,130 |
| North Carolina | 11,100 |
| Virginia | 11,040 |
| New Jersey | 10,660 |
| Georgia | 9,730 |
| Massachusetts | 9,250 |
| Colorado | 7,720 |
| Arizona | 7,480 |
| Missouri | 7,380 |
| Wisconsin | 6,720 |
| Maryland | 6,520 |
| Tennessee | 6,370 |
Highest-Paying States for Dental Assistants
Where dental assistants earn the most: dental assistants.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $64,630 |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 |
| Oregon | $57,720 |
| Washington | $57,040 |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 |
| Alaska | $55,950 |
| Maine | $51,340 |
| North Dakota | $51,310 |
| Vermont | $51,020 |
| Connecticut | $50,820 |
Skills
Key dental assistants skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for dental assistants, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Dental Assistants typically:
- 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.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Working with Computers
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Henry Schein Dentrix In-demand technologies: Henry Schein Dentrix
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Dental Support Services
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like dental assistants include:
- Chiropractors
- Dentists, General
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Prosthodontists
- Cardiologists
Also 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.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 31-9091.00
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