Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dental assistants are health care workers who assist dentists. The duties they perform vary from state to state. Still, primarily, they are responsible for sanitizing treatment rooms and equipment between patients, preparing treatment rooms for each patient’s visit, escorting patients, helping patients feel valued and comfortable, and assisting the dentist throughout examinations and treatment procedures. 

Dental assistants primarily prepare patient rooms for dental examination and treatment. They also seat patients, ensure patient comfort, assist the dentist with exams and treatments, and communicate with the front desk about the patient’s care and the following appointment to be scheduled. Additionally, dental assistants sterilize instruments, assist with patient record keeping, and facilitate communication between the front administrative and clinical back offices to provide smooth and comfortable patient experiences. Dental assistants must achieve their tasks accurately and efficiently, so patient appointments can stay on schedule, and the dental practice can provide a high standard of care.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national median salary for dental assistants in 2020 was $42,310. DentalPost’s 2021 Salary Survey indicates that most Dental Assistants earned between $31,000 and $40,000 in 2020. Twenty-eight % made below $30,000 per year, and slightly more than 10% of Dental Assistants were paid $50,000 or more annually. This wide range of income is reflective of multiple factors: education, years of experience, advanced certification, responsibilities, the profitability of the dental practice, and local demand for dental assistants. Dental assistants earn the most money in large cities such as San Francisco, Minneapolis, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami. The five states where dental assistants earned the highest annual wages in 2020 are Minnesota, Massachusetts, Alaska, New Hampshire, and Oregon.