Career Profile: Dental Assistants

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 358,600 people employed as dental assistants in the United States. The median annual salary is $38,660. Entry level employees earn approximately $29,580 per year and senior employees earn approximately $59,540 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
• Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
• Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
• Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
• Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
• Clean and polish removable appliances.
• Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
• Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.

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