Dental assistants are smiling about their prospects in a fast-growing industry

August 27, 2009

Dental assistants are smiling about their prospects in a fast-growing industry

Post a comment |
E-mail |
Print
- Share:

Outlook: Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2006 to 2016, among the fastest growing occupations over the projection period.

Pay: The 5,100 dental assistants in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $38,240 in 2007. According to the American Dental Association, 87 percent of dentists offer reimbursement for continuing education courses taken by their assistants.

The job: Dental assistants sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain patients’ dental records. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist to provide assistance. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. They also instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Training, licensing: Training approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation within the American Dental Association includes classroom, laboratory and preclinical instruction in dental-assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics or dental offices. Most programs take one year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. A number of private vocational schools offer four- to six-month courses in dental assisting, but the Commission on Dental Accreditation does not accredit these programs. A large number of dental assistants also learn through on-the-job training.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Is your pay competitive? Find out by using our Salary Wizard.

This article was originally published in May 2009.