Career Overview
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 Known As
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Dental Assistant (DA)
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental Aide
- Dental Assistant (DA)
- Dental Nurse
- Dental Office Assistant
- Dental Specialist
- Dentist Attendant
- Expanded Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA)
- Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
- General Practical Dental Assistant
- Oral Surgery Assistant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Finger Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Henry Schein Dentrix
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Air abrasion units
- Air compressors
- Air/water syringes
- Amalgam carriers
- Amalgamators
- Apex locators
- Articulators
- Aspirating syringes
- Autoclaves
- Band seating pliers
- Bench lathes
- Bite blocks
- Bitewing film holders
- Burs
- Caries detection aids
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Contact With Others
- Physical Proximity
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,190 |
| Median | $47,300 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $61,780 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 375,430
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Dental Hygienists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $94,260
Medical Assistants
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $44,200
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $44,080
Surgical Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $60,290
Endoscopy Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,050
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.