Median Annual Wage: $35,390
Education: Post-secondary certificate (63%); Associate's degree (12%); High school diploma or equivalent (9%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Registered Dental Assistant (RDA); Certified Dental Assistant (CDA); Certified Registered Dental Assistant; Oral Surgery Assistant; Surgical Dental Assistant; Dental Assistant (DA); Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA); Expanded Function Dental Assistant; Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant); Orthodontic Technician
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Assistants.
More Healthcare Support Careers
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Assistants.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Assistants.
