Dental Assistant Salaries
The dental assistant salary is contingent upon several factors, significantly reliant on both experience and qualifications. May 2008 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides some benchmark dental assistant salary figures to gauge overall expectations:
- Median annual wages measured in at $32,380
- The middle 50 percent of dental assistants earn between $26,980 and $38,960 per year
- The top 10 percent of dental assistants earn over $46,150 per year
Several variables affect dental assistant salaries. Location, inclusive of the type of practice and the physical, geographic region, greatly alters earning potential. Experience level, degree of formal training and certification also influence the dental assistant salary. Using data gathered by the BLS in 2009 and survey results provided by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), closer examination of each of these contributing factors is provided.
Dental Assistant Salaries by Location
The institution in which assistants practice impacts dental assistant salaries. The large majority of assistants work in private practice in the offices of dentists, earning a mean annual salary of $34,010. Assistants working for the Federal Executive Branch of the government earned the most, at a mean annual salary of $37,690.
Dental assistant salary is notably reflective of a region’s cost of living. According to the 2010 survey conducted by the DANB, DANB-certified dental assistants living in large metropolitan areas procured $2.00 more every hour than dental assistants in rural locations. Dental assistant salaries also vary from state to state.
Below is a list of mean annual dental assistant salaries in 2009 for the five most populous states.
- California: $35,290
- Texas: $31,100
- New York: $33,990
- Florida: $33,840
- Illinois: $33,440
Experience and Certification Effects on Dental Assistant Salaries
Like almost every other profession, the dental assistant salary increases as experience and tenure increase. Along with a raise in pay, dental assistants will be tasked with more responsibilities, handling tougher assignments and playing an increased role in direct patient care. Examining the DANB survey of certified dental assistants, entry-level workers earned an average of $15.00 per hour. Certified assistants in the field for 11 to 15 years earned $19.99 per hour.
The dental assistant salary rewards individuals willing to gain certification. DANB-certified assistants enjoy wages of $18.50 per hour, as opposed to uncertified assistant wages of $16.46 per hour, a difference of $2.04 every hour. Certified dental assistants also maintain the benefits of extended tenure and job security. Many certified assistants are eligible to receive similar benefits of dentists – over half of the DANB-certified participants who took the survey received free dental care.
Certified assistants are qualified to take on larger roles in the office setting. DANB-certified dental assistants increase office efficiency, tackling duties in relation to infection control, laboratory functions, and general office administration. Individual states govern the exact capacity of dental assistant duties, sometimes restricting the overall burden of assistants.
Certification is a wise career move for both the dental assistant salary and any possible future endeavors. Career advancement requires additional education, but certification provides the framework for a career in dentistry.