How to Become a Dental Assistant and Start Earning in Less Than 6 Months

Looking to raise your dental assistant salary? Discover proven strategies to boost your earning potential and advance in a rewarding dental career!

A dental assistant is a vital member of any dental care team. They provide essential support to dentists and ensure smooth operations in the clinic, making them a highly valued part of the healthcare field. Whether you’re already a dental assistant or considering this career, you may be exploring how to increase your income and grow professionally quickly. This guide will show you how dental assistants can increase their salary and find high-paying job opportunities quickly, some even within six months.

Why Become a Dental Assistant?

Dental assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare. It requires relatively short training, and you can start earning a stable income within months. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that dental assistant positions will increase 8% from 2021 to 2031, outpacing the average growth rate for all jobs. With high demand, this field offers job security and numerous growth opportunities.

However, many dental assistants are stuck in entry-level positions with limited income. You must take strategic steps to increase your salary and access better job prospects to stand out.

Steps to Increase Your Dental Assistant Salary

1. Get Certified

Certification is one of the quickest ways to improve your employability and salary as a dental assistant. Although certain states permit dental assistants to work without certification, obtaining one demonstrates dedication to the profession and a commitment to career growth. The most recognized certification in the U.S. is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This certification can make you more competitive in the job market and help you negotiate a higher wage​.

The most recognized certification in the U.S. is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This certification can make you more competitive in the job market and help you negotiate a higher wage.

Steps to Become Certified:

• Complete an accredited dental assistant program or fulfill the required on-the-job training hours.
• Pass the DANB’s CDA exam, which includes tests on general chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control.
• Renew your certification regularly by completing continuing education (CE) courses.

2. Gain Specialized Skills

Dental assistants with specialized skills earn significantly more than generalists. Focusing on specialized fields in dentistry, like orthodontics, oral surgery, or endodontics, can open opportunities in higher-paying roles.

Some skills you might want to develop include:

• Radiology certification: Taking X-rays is a highly sought-after skill; assistants with this certification can earn more.
• Expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) training**: EFDAs can perform additional tasks such as placing fillings, making impressions, and applying sealants. These advanced skills can significantly increase your salary.
• CPR and first aid certification: In emergency situations, having life-saving certifications can make you indispensable.

3. Seek Employment in High-Paying States or Cities

Salaries for dental assistants can vary widely based on location. Dental assistants earn significantly more in some states than others due to differences in demand, cost of living, and state regulations. According to recent data from Aspen Dental, states like Alaska, Minnesota, and Massachusetts tend to offer higher wages due to increased demand and cost of living:

• Alaska: $53,100 per year
• Minnesota: $52,220 per year
• Massachusetts: $51,920 per year
• New Hampshire: $51,160 per year

Professionals can explore healthcare salary variations across the U.S. and consider locum tenens roles for flexible, high-earning opportunities to maximize income potential.

4. Work in a Specialized Dental Practice

Specialized dental practices, such as those focusing on oral surgery, orthodontics, or periodontics, offer higher salaries than general dental offices. These practices often require assistants with more advanced skills, which can justify higher pay. For example, ZipRecruiter notes that surgical and orthodontic dental assistants often earn more than their generalist counterparts​.

Consider looking for jobs in:

• Oral surgery clinics: Assisting in surgeries and anesthesia administration can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Orthodontic offices: Orthodontists often pay higher wages to assistants due to the complexity of the treatments they provide.
• Endodontic practices: Working with root canal specialists can offer more challenging yet better-paying positions.

5. Continue Your Education

Investing in continuing education (CE) is essential for career growth in the dental field. As a dental assistant, you can stay ahead by completing courses that update you on the latest dentistry techniques, technologies, and regulations.

Continuing education also shows employers that you’re proactive about enhancing your skillset, making you a more attractive candidate for promotions or salary raises. Many organizations, like the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), offer CE courses on infection control, radiology, and office management.

6. Negotiate and Raise Dental Assistant Salary

Many dental assistants are hesitant to negotiate their salary, but this is one of the most effective ways to increase your pay. To successfully negotiate, follow these tips:

• Research salary benchmarks: Know the average salary for dental assistants in your area and your experience level. Use websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or Glassdoor to gather this information.
• Highlight your accomplishments: Be prepared to demonstrate how your skills, experience, and certifications make you a valuable asset to the practice.
• Ask for more responsibilities: Offering additional tasks, such as managing office supplies or assisting with billing, can justify a higher salary.

7. Explore Job Opportunities Beyond Private Practice

While most dental assistants work in private dental practices, there are opportunities in other settings that may offer higher salaries. Some alternative options include:

• Public health clinics: These organizations often provide higher pay and better benefits.
• Dental schools: Working in an educational setting can offer professional growth and competitive salaries.
• Corporate dental offices: Chain dental practices often offer better salaries and benefits due to their larger operations.

8. Build a Strong Professional Network

Networking can open doors to better-paying job opportunities. Attend dental assistant conferences, join professional organizations like the ADAA, and participate in online forums. Building connections with other professionals in the field can lead to job referrals or inside information about higher-paying positions.

Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth in healthcare. Discover how effective networking can transform your career with insights from Transform Healthcare Networking.

High-Paying Job Opportunities for Dental Assistants

Here are some dental assistant roles that tend to offer higher salaries:

• Lead Dental Assistant: Responsible for supervising other dental assistants and managing office duties.
• Orthodontic Dental Assistant: Specializes in orthodontic care, assisting with braces, retainers, and other alignment devices.
• Surgical Dental Assistant: Assists in oral surgeries, often working in more complex and higher-paying environments.
• Dental Office Manager: Combines dental assisting with administrative duties, such as scheduling and billing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways to Raise Your Dental Assistant Salary and Advance Your Career

A career as a dental assistant is both fulfilling and accessible, but it’s crucial to understand ways to boost your salary and explore better job opportunities as you progress. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow within the field, certifications, specialized skills, continuing education, and networking are key to improving your earning potential. With the right approach, you can quickly transition to higher-paying roles and secure a more financially rewarding dental career.