Is It Worth It To Be A Dental Assistant?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Dental Assistants made a

median salary of $40,080 in

2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $48,550 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $33,440.

Is dental assistant a good job?

The dental industry is a great career choice that offers

security, good pay

, and a rewarding feeling of helping others. … Dental assistants perform several essential tasks ranging from taking x-rays, record keeping to providing patient care, and serve a crucial role within the dental office.

Is it better to be a dental assistant first?

WDAS strongly encourages students to become a dental assistant

first if

they are interested in one day pursuing a hygienist position. Not only are you gaining knowledge you’ll use throughout your entire dentistry career, you’ll gain the necessary skillset in becoming a successful hygienist faster.

Are dental assistants in demand?

Employment of dental assistants is projected to

grow 7 percent from 2019

to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The aging population and ongoing research linking oral health and general health will lead to continued increases in the demand for preventive dental services.

Do you make good money as a dental assistant?

Dental Assistants made a

median salary of $40,080 in

2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $48,550 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $33,440.

Is Dental Assisting a stressful job?


The job can be stressful

, largely because patients feel apprehensive when sitting in a dental chair. Similar to dentists or dental hygienists, assistants spend a large part of their workday standing, crouched over the head and mouth of a patient.

How much do RDA make an hour?

Annual Salary Hourly Wage Top Earners $53,500 $26 75th Percentile $47,000 $23 Average $41,681

$20
25th Percentile $35,000 $17

What are 10 duties of a dental assistant?

  • Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions.
  • Taking & pouring dental impressions (molds of the mouth)
  • Preparing patients for surgery.
  • Operating equipment and monitors.
  • Talking with patients.
  • Performing administrative tasks.
  • Preparing examination areas.

How hard is it to become a dental assistant?

Most students find dental assistant training challenging. … Students with

good listening skills

also succeed in dental assistant school. As a dental assistant, you may also be asked to listen to patients and dentists as well. The education for dental assistant requires organization skills.

Do dental assistants clean teeth?

Their role includes undertaking examinations for dental diseases (such as gingivitis or periodontitis), providing preventative treatments (such as fissure sealants), providing professional teeth cleaning, providing periodontal disease treatment, and providing teeth whitening treatments.

How many years does it take to become a dental assistant?

A dental assisting program can take anywhere from

nine months to two years

to complete, depending on whether it’s a certificate, diploma or degree program. After finishing their education and passing any required certifications, dental assistants perform a variety of essential functions.

Who makes more dental assistant or hygienist?


Dental hygienists

also earn considerably higher wages, with an average annual salary of ​$76,220​ in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is in comparison to a salary of ​$40,080​ a year for dental assistants, according to BLS.

What are the qualifications of an entry level dental assistant?


There is no formal training required to commence

entry-level work as a Dental Assistant. However, vocational training is recommended to increase job prospects. You can complete either a Certificate III in Dental Assisting HLT35015 or Certificate IV in Dental Assisting HLT45015 at an accredited TAFE institution.

How many hours do dental assistants work?

Almost half of all dental assistants have a

35- to 40-hour work week

, which may include work on Saturdays or evenings. Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment.

What pays more medical assistant or dental assistant?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) attests that

dental aides

made a higher median income compared to medical assistants in 2018. That year, dental aides earned a median salary of $38, 660 while medical aides made a median of $33, 610.

What do dental assistants do on a daily basis?


Providing dental care information to patients and answering questions

.

Scheduling patient appointments and sending patient reminders

.

Assisting patients with insurance billing and payment issues

.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.