According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistants in the United States make a median annual salary of $41,180 per year or $19.80 per hour.
Dental assistants provide patient care and chair-side support during dental exams and procedures, from simple cleanings to complicated root canals. The work combines technical, administrative, and people skills, and it's an essential piece of a well-run dental office.
While the job occasionally includes more independent work, like teeth polishing or explaining proper dental hygiene, it more often requires the assistant to work in tandem with the practicing dentist or dental hygienist. For more detailed information on becoming a dental assistant, be sure to check out our How to Become a Dental Assistant Guide.
What Is the Salary of a Dental Assistant?
According to the BLS, the average salary across occupations in the U.S. was $56,310 in 2020. A dental assistant salary is less than this, at $42,310, per year.
While the difference between the average salary nationwide and the average salary for dental hygienists may seem significant, there are external factors to consider when deciding whether or not this is the career path for you. The biggest is that dental assistants don't need a college degree or medical license. This means that most dental assistants don't enter the workforce with mounting debt, and they have more flexibility with their income.
Becoming a dental assistant is an excellent way to pursue a path in the medical field without the time and monetary commitment of years of schooling. It's also a great career path for those looking for job stability and the ability to help others.
