| Becoming a Dental Assistant not only prepares you | | | | patients. A hygienist takes care of cleaning teeth and |
| for a wonderful career working in the dental field, is | | | | generally has a steady stream of patients who come |
| also pays very well. Since this area of employment is | | | | in every six months for routine cleaning procedures. |
| anticipated to be one of the most in demand over the | | | | The amount of pay a Dental Assistant earns depends |
| next six years, your chances of securing a great job | | | | on many factors. The cost of living in your area will be |
| with great pay and benefits is very likely. | | | | the greatest influence. The amount of revenue the |
| The Median hourly rate of pay for Dental Assistants is | | | | dental office you work for generates will also be a |
| $13.62. This is well above the minimum wage | | | | deciding factor. New dentists might have to pay less |
| established in most states. In addition to a great hourly | | | | than established dentists will clientele because they |
| wage, many Dental Assistants will receive bonuses if | | | | don't have the traffic coming into the office. However, |
| the dental office is doing well, health insurance, and | | | | it is very possible your pay will increase as more |
| discounted dental procedures. Almost all Dental | | | | patients are drawn to that dental office. |
| Assistants receive paid vacation days, sick days, and | | | | Your level of experience will also be a consideration. |
| paid Holidays. | | | | You may have to accept a position that pays less |
| However, earning such a high hourly wage comes with | | | | than average to get your foot in the door and gain |
| a great level of responsibility. Dental Assistants | | | | some hands on experience. However, with the |
| perform duties relating to patient care, office sanitation, | | | | demand for Dental Assistants, you should have no |
| lab duties, and assisting the dentist and hygienist with a | | | | problem securing employment. Many dental offices |
| variety of procedures. Dental Assistants need to be | | | | want to keep quality Dental Assistants. They may |
| alert, pay attention to detail, and have effective | | | | offer to start you at a lower entry level pay, with the |
| communication skills. They must also be able to | | | | understanding that your performance will be reviewed |
| provide patients with comfort measures both before | | | | in 90 days or other time frame. Based on your |
| and after procedures are completed. | | | | performance, you pay will be adjusted at that time. |
| Dental Assistants are easily confused with Dental | | | | It is important to understand that certified and |
| Hygienists. Compared to hygienists, who have a | | | | uncertified Dental Assistants complete the same types |
| median rate of pay of $23.65 per hour, a Dental | | | | of tasks. However, those who are certified earn |
| Assistant is not making a very good hourly wage. | | | | several dollars more per hour than those who aren't |
| However, they are very different professions. A | | | | certified. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to take |
| Dental Assistant does just that, assists the dentist and | | | | the certification exam early on in your career as a |
| hygienist with providing the best quality care for all | | | | Dental Assistant. |