Dental Assistants
Dental assistants support dentists by preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and helping during patient procedures. They also provide patients with oral care instructions and handle administrative tasks like scheduling and records. Dental assistants work in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dental assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves setting up treatment rooms with sterilized instruments and equipment before patients arrive. During appointments, dental assistants hand instruments to the dentist, manage suction during procedures, and take notes on treatments. Between patients, they clean and sterilize instruments, update patient records, answer phones, and schedule appointments. They may also teach patients about brushing and flossing techniques.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy organized, detail-oriented work and prefer following established procedures and standards. You do well in this role if you're comfortable with hands-on clinical tasks, work well under direction, and find satisfaction in supporting a dentist's patient care.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Canandaigua, New York · $32662–$63605
- Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Saginaw, Michigan · $32435–$59031
- Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Hot Springs, South Dakota · $32435–$59031
- Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Fort Meade, South Dakota · $32435–$59031
- Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Iowa City, Iowa · $38736–$70498
- Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California · $31.97–$41.56
- Dental Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Cherry Point, North Carolina · $41341–$53744
- Supervisory Dental Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Goldsboro, North Carolina · $58355–$75858
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $59,940 | $65,270 | $74,410 | 5,980 |
| District of Columbia | $58,590 | $60,580 | $74,220 | 630 |
| Maine | $49,250 | $60,070 | $61,510 | 1,550 |
| New Hampshire | $49,260 | $59,530 | $61,160 | 1,600 |
| Oregon | $56,600 | $59,490 | $63,520 | 5,930 |
| Washington | $48,780 | $58,090 | $62,340 | 13,050 |
| Massachusetts | $48,600 | $57,980 | $60,720 | 9,680 |
| North Dakota | $47,150 | $57,770 | $60,270 | 860 |
| Alaska | $47,480 | $57,710 | $61,370 | 1,140 |
| Connecticut | $48,360 | $56,850 | $59,650 | 3,840 |
| Vermont | $47,350 | $52,760 | $60,420 | 580 |
| North Carolina | $47,680 | $50,380 | $57,720 | 11,450 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Preventative Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) — Dental Assisting National Board
- Certified Dental Assistant - General Chairside Assisting — Dental Assisting National Board
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) — American Medical Technologists
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) — Dental Assisting National Board
- National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) — Dental Assisting National Board
- Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant - Restorative Functions (CRFFDA) — Dental Assisting National Board
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dental assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-9091.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.