How to become a dental assistant
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
What dental assistants do
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
Is dental assistant a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 6% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Minnesota $65,270
- District of Columbia $60,580
- Maine $60,070
- New Hampshire $59,530
- Oregon $59,490
Dental Assistants salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.