Dental Assistant Salary
Dental assistants work alongside dentists to provide patient care and support dental procedures. They perform various clinical and administrative tasks in dental offices, clinics, and other oral healthcare facilities.
2026 Salary Overview
The average dental assistant earns anywhere between $32,000 and $36,000 per year. Some states require dental assistants to take an accredited course, pass a state exam and receive proper certification while other states do not have any formal requirements. It is definitely preferable to have certification in place when searching for new employment. Many dental assistants receive bonuses if they have been working in the same office for many years but this varies between employers, depending upon their practice and directives.
Best Career Prospects
The highest paid dental assistants earn an average salary of $43,480 in the State of New Hampshire with those in Minnesota coming in at a close second with an average annual salary of $42,420. The best paying jobs are in private dental practices, with average salaries standing firm at $35,070. Ambulatory Health Care Services jobs for dental assistants pay on average $32,760. As of 2012, there were 303,200 dental assistants working the United States. Of those dental assistants, 275,580 were earning an average salary of around $35,070.
Education and Training Requirements
Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience: None required
On-the-job Training: Short-term on-the-job training
Most dental assistants learn their skills through on-the-job training. However, many assistants learn their skills in dental-assisting programs offered by community and technical colleges, trade schools, and dental schools. Most programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma.
Job Outlook
The employment opportunities for certified dental assistants is expected to grow by 25% before the year 2022 which is much quicker than most occupations. If you are looking for a rewarding career that is enjoying continued growth, becoming a dental assistant is definitely a good option. As of 2012, there were over 303,200 dental assistants employed across the country.
Work Environment
Dental assistants work in dentists' offices. They work closely with dentists and dental hygienists. The work can be physically demanding, requiring assistants to spend long periods on their feet and to lift and move equipment and patients.
Salary Trends Over Time
The chart below shows how dental assistant salaries have changed over the years, from 2015 to 2026. You can select a specific state to see localized trends or view the national average.
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Salary by State
The following table shows dental assistant salary data by state, including the lowest 10%, median, highest 10%, and average salaries.
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