Dental Assistants
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.
Also called: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Aide, Dental Assistant (DA), Dental Nurse, Dental Office Assistant
Median pay
$48,070
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,130 – $62,250
People employed
387,790
Holland code
CRS
Conventional · Realistic · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 6.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 7.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 8.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Long hours on your feet
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Dental Assistants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What dental assistants do
- 01Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- 02Record treatment information in patient records.
- 03Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- 04Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- 05Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- 06Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from dental assistants
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians88% · −5%
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists84% · group pay
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians82% · −1%
- Surgical Assistants81% · +39%
- Surgical Technologists79% · +34%
Change into dental assistants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians82% · $45,570
- Hearing Aid Specialists79% · $65,160
- Pharmacy Technicians79% · $45,750
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists77% · $50,290
- Opticians, Dispensing77% · $47,260
Majors that lead here
- Dental Assisting/Assistant
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.