Dental Assistant Salary

Many individuals who are thinking about getting into the field of dental assisting have been enticed by one of its most talked about aspect – the dental assistant salary. The healthcare industry is truly a remarkable one because of its ability to withstand the toughest economic conditions, and the dental assisting career is no different either. The work of a dental assistant encompasses mainly patient care, office work, and laboratory procedure, all designed to help the dental office run smoothly and efficiently. Having an idea of the salary thresholds of a dental assistant can help you in making a choice as to whether you want to take this career or not.

It is important to understand that dental assistant salary can be influenced by a number of factors. In some areas salary figures can be the same, while in some areas it would be different. The cost of living in one particular area will have a significant bearing on the salary offered. Generally, urban areas with higher cost of living will have higher salary thresholds as compared to rural areas. The educational background and training that a dental assistant has received will also affect the salary he is entitled to. A dental assistant who has undergone formal training will likely receive higher pay as compared to another assistant who only completed high school and undergone on-the-job training.

Dental assistant salary may also be influenced by the size of the organization he is employed with. Dental assistants can be employed in different venues – dental offices, government, the military, and hospitals as well, and salary figures will vary between these places. The work experience of a dental assistant will also play a crucial role in determining the paycheck he can receive, and the more work experience you have, the better your earning potential will be. For those who are just starting their careers, it is highly recommended to seek employment in entry-level positions in order to gain valuable work experience.

Certification for dental assistants is not generally required in most States, although it is highly recommended that you apply for it since it is also another factor affecting dental assistant salary. Dental assistant certification is administered by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB), and you must pass a certification exam in order to earn certification. Dental assistants who have pursued continuing education usually are able to perform more complex tasks such as radiological procedures. Higher salary thresholds await those who decide to pursue further studies.

Based on the statistics taken from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics during May of 2008, the average dental assistant salary was $32,380 annually. The lowest and highest 10 percent of the dental assistant population were reported to have earned an annual wage of $22,270 and $46,150 respectively. The bureau has also forecasted an incredibly fast employment growth rate of 36 percent in the next few years, and that should also mean an increase in salary ranges. Keep in mind that despite the variations in dental assistant salary, you have the means to improve your salary range by acquiring as much credentials as you can possibly get. The more hard work you invest, the more rewards you are bound to receive.