Yes — the BLS outlook makes dental assisting a solid career choice. The dental assistant bureau of labor statistics data show steady job demand, a competitive median wage for entry-level training, and many work settings where assistants are needed. Below you’ll find the key BLS facts, what the job looks like day to day, the pros and cons, and practical steps to start and advance your career.
What the dental assistant bureau of labor statistics Finds
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assisting is a stable field with steady employment. Key takeaways:
- Job growth: Projected growth over the next decade is around the national average (roughly mid-single digits), which means steady openings as practices expand and replace staff.
- Number of jobs: There are well over 300,000 dental assistant positions nationwide, so opportunities exist in many communities and practice types.
- Median wage: Median pay is roughly in the mid-$40,000s per year, with hourly rates varying by region, experience, and credentials.
- Typical work settings: Most dental assistants work in private dental offices, but jobs also exist in group practices, specialty offices (orthodontics, oral surgery), clinics, and public health settings.
What this means: demand is consistent, pay is decent for relatively short training periods, and you can find work in many locations and practice environments.
What a Dental Assistant Actually Does
Daily tasks
- Chairside assistance during exams and procedures
- Taking and processing dental X-rays (where allowed)
- Preparing patients and instruments, infection control and sterilization
- Assisting with impressions, lab work, and materials handling
- Basic front-desk duties like scheduling, billing, and patient communication
Pros and cons
Here are common advantages and challenges to weigh:
- Pros: steady demand, relatively short training, entry-level access, variety of daily tasks, and paths to higher pay with extra credentials.
- Cons: physically demanding (long periods on your feet, repetitive motions), sometimes early or irregular hours, and pay varies by region and employer.
How to Start and Move Up
Training and certification
You can start with a short certificate program at a community college or career school, or learn on the job in some practices. Optional credentials, like the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or state-expanded duties certifications, improve your resume and can raise your pay. Radiography and infection-control certificates are common additions.
Career path and earnings tips
- Earn additional certifications (CDA, radiography, EFDA) to unlock higher pay and expanded responsibilities.
- Gain experience in a specialty (orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry) to increase demand for your skills.
- Cross-train in front-office tasks or practice management for roles that pay more and offer leadership paths.
- Consider continuing education and networking to move into lead assistant, office manager, or billing coordinator roles.
Thinking About This Career? A Quick Word About Our Practice
Dr. Joe Collins II and Dr. Joseph Collins III value well-trained dental teams and offer mentorship and hands-on learning for new assistants. If you’re interested in job shadowing, apprenticeship opportunities, or local training advice, reach out to learn how we support career entry and growth in dentistry.