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Dental assistants are in high demand and the need is expected to continue to increase over the next several years. Dental assisting is one of the largest occupations in healthcare.
Earnings for dental assistants vary according to the type and size of the work setting, education and experience of the worker, and geographic location.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salaries in 2007 were between $30,000 and $35,000. As of April 2009, the median hourly wage for entry-level dental assistants with less than one year of experience was $11.16. Salaries for dental assistants tend to be a little higher in hospitals than in ambulatory healthcare services. Salaries also tend to be higher in larger hospitals and group dental practices.
Many dental assistants work part time or at several dental practices. The career lends itself to flexible scheduling and rarely requires overtime.
The need for dental care is expected to continue to rise due to greater education about the importance of dental care and increased retention of natural teeth. Dentists will require the services of dental assistants to help meet the demand.
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