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.
SOC: 31-9091.00
Common Job Titles
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)Dental Assistant (DA)Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Dental Assistants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
375,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| 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)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.4/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
- Administrative3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Henry Schein DentrixMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
Technology Skills
Email softwareKodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMSOpen DentalPatterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoftQuickenThe Systems Workplace TDOCSWeb browser softwareWord processing software
Tools & Equipment
Air abrasion unitsAir compressorsAir/water syringesAmalgam carriersAmalgamatorsApex locatorsArticulatorsAspirating syringes