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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Dental Assistants

Median Salary
46,540
Job Outlook
+8%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

86%

Self-employed

6%

Private not for profit

4%

State and local government

3%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 54,900 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$21,910

10%

$46,540

Median

$62,870

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    46%

  • High school

    28%

  • Some college

    17%

  • Associate's degree

    8%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Dental Assisting/Assistant

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Administrative
  • Administration and Management
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.