Dental Assistants

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 you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; you're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.7% of dental assistants are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused, hands-on and people-focused.

Related careers

• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
• Medical Equipment Preparers
• Medical Assistants
• Phlebotomists

Quick questions

How much does a dental assistant make?

The median pay is $23.11 per hour — roughly $48,000 a year, with the real range running from about $17.85/hr (10th percentile) to $29.93/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a dental assistant?

The typical entry-level education is: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a dental assistant actually do all day?

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.