Dental Assistant Career Outlook: Growth & Opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Dental assistants have a promising job outlook that is growing faster than average compared to other occupations.

• Daily responsibilities of a dental assistant include taking X-rays, managing patient records, and supporting the dentist with patient care.

• A dental assistant role offers the potential to open new doors for career advancement, such as administrative positions, careers as a dentist or hygienist, roles in education, or work as an expanded function dental assistant.

• If you are interested in becoming a dental assistant or expanding your career, temporary work is a great way to build your skill set and make connections.

Exploring a Career as a Dental Assistant

Today, pursuing a career as a dental assistant is a wise choice, as there is high demand for professionals across the country. Factors such as expanded availability of dental services, greater respect for preventive dental care, and increased patient volume have all contributed to a consistent demand for skilled professionals in the field. Over the next decade, the need for dental assistants is expected to grow consistently and at a higher pace than other occupations on average.

Dental assistants serve a crucial role in a dental office, assisting dentists with carrying out patient treatments, preparing dental equipment, educating patients, and scheduling appointments for continuation of care. It’s the value dental assistants provide that has opened up many opportunities in practices nationwide. If you’re considering a dental assistant career, there are many reasons to pursue it, from the available opportunities to the rewarding nature of the work.

Job Growth and Industry Demand

The combination of an aging population, mixed with an increasing awareness of oral health, has led to a consistent rise in the demand for skilled dental assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental assistant career outlook between 2024 and 2034 is 6%, which is faster than average compared to other job roles. This growth translates to about 52,900 projected job openings each year.

Dental visits are becoming more frequent, generally, as more patients embrace the value of preventive dental care and routine check-ups, so the need for dental professionals is not likely to slow down. As dental technology continues to advance, the availability of dental assisting positions will only grow, with new procedures bringing more patients into the office and filling up practice schedules.

Salary Expectations for Dental Assistants

The median annual salary for dental assistants is a respectable $47,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which translates to about $22.74 per hour. The top 10 percent of earners in the position earned more than $61,780. One’s final salary will depend on several factors, such as location, experience, certifications, and workplace setting.

In addition to the salary, the role also offers benefits like flexible work opportunities, relatively consistent schedules, and reliable job security. Professionals may also increase their earning potential by pursuing specialized training, obtaining additional certifications, or embracing positions with expanded responsibilities.

Career Advancement Opportunities

A dental assistant career is fulfilling for many, but for many others, it provides a gateway opportunity to move into even more advanced roles in the future with higher earning potential. In advancing your career, you have the ability to develop leadership, mentoring, and supervisory skills that can propel you into several other new opportunities.

As you advance in your career, you can consider some of the following advancement opportunities:

• Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA): – These professionals can take on additional responsibilities, like placing fillings and applying sealants, with expanded training
• Dental Practice Management: Professionals who build robust administrative skills may consider managing a practice one day, while being responsible for handling tasks like scheduling, billing, human resources, and other logistics.
• Dental Hygienist or Dentist Roles: Assistants often build on their current skills and clinical experience by entering a dental program and moving into more advanced roles as a hygienist or dentist.
• Education Roles: Professionals may move into roles using their skills to teach aspiring professionals in a dental assistant program.

These are just a few of the options; an assistant may also consider moving into one of many potential niches in the industry, including orthodontics, surgical assisting, radiography, and others. As technology advances, dental assistants can also set themselves apart by staying up-to-date with new technologies to keep their career prospects fresh—some assistants even transition into product sales roles.

Job Stability and Work Flexibility

Dental assistants enjoy considerable job stability and flexibility, as there is a consistent need for quality dental care among the general population. Currently, there is steady growth in the demand for dental assistants, and this is expected to continue to be the case over the next decade.

Dental assistants are needed in a variety of environments, including urban, rural, and specialty practices. This demand often means high job security, extensive career opportunities, low unemployment rates, and the chance of finding a job opening in an area you would most enjoy working in.

Aspiring professionals also have the opportunity to make the role work for them and their lifestyle, as it can pave the way for unique flexibility. Assistants can find flexible work in a variety of roles, whether it be part-time, full-time, temporary, or travel positions.

Skills and Qualifications Needed for Success

Dental assistants must be versatile and have a wide skill set, from being able to handle the clinical responsibilities of the role to being able to communicate effectively with patients. Some key dental assistant skills include:

• Clinical competency
• Patient communication capabilities
• Organizational abilities
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Ability to be a team player
• Technological proficiency in modern dental offices
• Knowledge of electronic health records and charting software

These skills are just the tip of the iceberg. Professionals should be constantly learning to keep up in a dental assistant career. Technology used in the dental industry is continually evolving, and new practices are frequently being developed—it’s always a good idea for dental assistants to pursue ongoing training and certifications to keep their skills sharp and enhance their career prospects.

Education and Licensing Requirements

To become a dental assistant, you will need to gain the necessary skills and then obtain a license to practice in your state. Aspiring professionals should start by attending a dental assistant educational program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation—consider looking for a program that also offers an externship where you can gain hands-on, real-world experience.

In some rare cases, dental assistants may be able to start their career by gaining on-the-job experience and starting small in the right practice. In any case, it’s advised to obtain certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) by passing the DANB exam.

Licensing requirements will vary by state, so dental assistants should look to their state dental board’s requirements to understand all the necessary qualifications to begin working. Some states may require additional certifications beyond just dental assisting to begin working, such as radiography or CPR certifications. Many states may also require continuing education to stay current, but this is valuable for career growth and compliance as well.

Advance your Career with Toothio

Walking down the dental assistant career path is sustainable and worthwhile, with high demand and a career outlook that demonstrates above-average growth. Once you’ve completed your schooling, picking up flexible work is a great way to build your experience and get your foot in the door of the industry.

Toothio is a one-of-a-kind and innovative staffing solution for dental professionals, connecting seasoned professionals with fulfilling opportunities in quality dental practices. Joining Toothio empowers you to discover both temporary and permanent positions on your terms. You can pick up dental assisting shifts as they arise, allowing you to build your own schedule at your preferred rates. We serve 11 areas around the country, making it easier for you to find work in your market.

Sign up with Toothio today and start picking up shifts once approved.