Introduction

Like many sectors in the health care industry, demand for dental assistants has increased significantly and so have dental assistant wages. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there is much activity on the licensing and certification side of the profession of dental assistants.

Licensing and certification is controlled by standards set by state governments. At this time, the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The standards set by this board are accepted in 37 states.

Candidates for this lofty certification often qualify for the DANB certification by successfully completing Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental assistant training programs.

Dental assistant wages

In May 2008, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics reported average dental assistant wages of $32,380. 50 percent of dental assistant wages were between $26,980 and $38,960.

The lowest 10 percent of dental assistant wages were in the range of $22,270. The highest 10 percent of dental assistant wages amounted to a comfortable $46,150.

Benefits for dental assistants depend upon the practice. Many dental assistants chose to work part-time. Dental assistants who work part-time do not usually receive benefit packages.

A host on benefits including medical insurance, dental services, vacations and even 401(k) contributions are not uncommon in successful practices. Eighty six percent of full-time dental assistants received at least a one-week vacation while more than 50 percent received health benefits.

Job outlook for dental assistants

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor projected that job demand for dental assistants would grow 36 percent between 2008 and 2018. Dental assistant salaries are expected to keep pace with the increased demand for these certified assistants.

Despite the recession, demand for dental services has not diminished. Like many sectors of the health industry, services have increased as have the number of qualified care-givers.

Typically more senior dental practices higher less staff as they prepare for retirement or sale of their practice. Many of the lower scale dental assistant wages fall in these practices.

The impact of dental insurance

There is no question that the use of dental insurance has stabilized the demand for dental services. This stable demand has inspired many large practices and has favorably influenced dental assistant wages.

New practitioners and expanding practitioners rely heavily on qualified, well-trained dental assistants. These practices prefer longer-term employment from their dental assistants. These dental practices are willing to pay top dental assistant wages for continuity even if it means retaining a number of experienced part-time assistants.

Dental assistant wages marketplace

In 2008, the Department of Labor estimated that there were more than 295,300 actively working in their chosen field. 93 percent of these dental assistants were employed in dental offices.

Dental assistant wages have increased every year for the past ten years. Because dentists prefer continuity rather than turnover, skillful and experienced dental assistant wages should continue to grow.

The role of a dental assistant requires knowledge of the equipment, practices and terms used in the field of practice. The profession of dental assistants is solid. The outlook for skilled dental assistant wages are just as bright.