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.
Annual wage data for Dental Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
375,430
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,190. 25th percentile: U.S. $39,520. 50th percentile: U.S. $47,300. 75th percentile: U.S. $56,910. 90th percentile: U.S. $61,780. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $36,190 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $61,780 |
| Workers on average earn | $48,860 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
