Dental Assistants
Description OES Code: 66002
Assist dentist at chair, set up patient and equipment, keep records, and perform related duties as required.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.87
25th Percentile $10.14
50th Percentile $12.56
75th Percentile $15.40

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.36
25th Percentile $9.40
50th Percentile $10.73
75th Percentile $13.43

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

There is a very wide range in Dental Assistant wages, depending on education, experience, job duties and responsibilities, and location.

Hours & Benefits
Most Dental Assistants work day time hours and at least 36 hours a week. An estimated one in five hold part time jobs.

Almost all dentists offer paid health insurance, and many also pay for dental insurance. Paid vacation and sick leave are benefits that almost all assistants can expect. Retirement plans and life insurance are provided by some employers.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 32,900
Projected Employment 2008 47,100
Growth Rate 1998-2008 43.2%
Openings due to Separations 6,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 650
Projected Employment 2006 780
Percent Change 1999-2006 20%
Separations 1999-2006 80

Employment Trends by California County

Dental Assistants is one of California's top fifty fastest growth occupations.

Advancement
There aren't many promotional opportunities for Dental Assistants. Those who become RDAs or learn something about dental technician work make more money. In big offices where a lot of dentists work together, an assistant may be promoted to office supervisor or manager. Dental assistants are often selected over other candidates if they apply for Dental Hygienist training.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Dental Assistant jobs are found through dental assistant school placement services, personal references, applying to dental offices, and ads in newspapers. Applicants should also register with the California Employment Development Department.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

References
California Occupational Guide: Dental Assistants #27

Related Occupation: Dental Hygienists #155, Dispensing Opticians #167

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)

Education and Training
Employers prefer applicants who have completed a Dental Assistant training program. Training can be obtained through community colleges and public and private adult vocational schools. Many high schools give this training through their Regional Occupational Program (ROP). The California Dental Assistants Association recommends a one or two year program approved by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.

The California Board of Dental Examiners tests and certifies Registered Dental Assistants. RDA applicants must have graduated from an approved educational training program or done satisfactory work as a dental assistant for eighteen months and pass the RDA written and performance test. RDAs must meet continuing educational requirements for renewal of their certification every two years.

Dental Assistant schools are responsible for radiation safety training; they also do the certifications needed for assistants to legally take dental X- rays.

Skills & Other Requirements
Results from surveyed dentists show that certain skills are necessary for Dental Assistants. These skills include knowledge of dental materials and procedures, recordkeeping, spoken and written communications skills, friendliness, and willingness to work closely with other dental team members. Dentists prefer to hire applicants who are eager to learn and show willingness to adapt to busy and fast work.

Dental Assistants take impressions of teeth for diagnosis, remove stitches and dressings, and give fluoride treatments when working with the dentist.

Assistants may also do clerical duties such as making appointments, keeping case records, handling billing and payment, and handling patient dental insurance.

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANTS (RDAs) do more complex work. They may obtain tooth pulp cultures, test tooth pulp health and apply dressings after a tooth is pulled with the dentist in the room. They can also do mouth inspections, charting, and placing or removing dressings even when the dentist is not around.