There was a time when dentists had to do their job on their own. However, with more people giving emphasis on proper oral healthcare over the past years, they are more likely to visit dentists, compared to the time of your grandfather’s dentist. Today’s younger generations of dentists are also more open to hiring dental assistants to help them in their practice’s daily operation. With the growing need for dental assistants, there is also a steady improvement in dental assistant salary. That is rightfully so, because dental assistants are important members of every dentist’s support team.
These days, before a dentist gets to you, the dental assistant will be the one to prepare you for the dental procedure that you need. The dental assistant will prepare the equipment needed and will make sure everything has been sterilized. During the procedure, she will be the one to assist the dentist, handing the necessary equipment, making sure the patient’s mouth is dry by using suction hoses or other devices. Dental assistants are also expected to educate patients on the proper oral healthcare. Dental assistants that have been on the job longer (and hence are more experienced) are generally given higher dental assistant salary. However, even for entry-level positions, one’s dental assistant salary can still be quite competitive when compared to other healthcare professionals in the same job level position.
The average mean annual dental assistant salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $34,000 as of May 2009. As of this time period also, there are 294,020 dental assistants working in the country. More than a third of them are receiving part time dental assistant salary, a common scenario for dental assistants who want to maximize the flexibility of their time schedule at work. These dental assistants work multiple jobs, depending on the time of their primary job, with weekend or evening schedules when time still permits. Most dental assistants work at dentist’s offices where they receive $34,000 in annual dental assistant salary.
When they work overtime, they are often given between $15 and $24 an hour. Their bonuses, if they qualify, can range from about $200 to over $900. Aside from the dental assistant salary, they also receive various additional benefits, depending on the work setting and whether it is full-time employment or not.
Although most dental assistants are trained on-the-job, it is highly recommended that you finish a nationally accredited dental assisting program and secure your certification later on. Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) don’t only receive higher dental assistant salary generally, but they may also receive paid vacations from their employers and other health benefits. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board, 86% of CDAs report receiving paid vacation benefits and more than half receive at least some form of health care benefit.
To undergo further training in order to have better chances of receiving higher dental assistant salary, you should sign-up and finish any of the 281 dental assisting programs that are approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or CODA. You may also have to undergo certain hours of on-the-job training before you finish the said training program. To be a Certified Dental Assistant, you need to pass the Dental Assisting National Board certification exam as required by more than 37 States. However, just like in the dental assisting salary they receive, every State has its own sets of requirements to be considered as a certified dental assistant. It is best to contact your State’s board for these requirements which relate specifically to you.
Related posts:
- Ways on How to Further Improve Your Dental Assistant Salary
- Information Guideline on the Dental Assistant Profession
- Why Dental Assistant Jobs Are Popular
- All You Need to Know About Becoming a Dental Assistant
- Quality Dental Assistant Training to Ensure Better Patient Care
- What Dental Assistants Are Expected to Know as Part of the Dental Healthcare Team