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Medical & WelfareGrowingBright Outlook

Dental Assistant

Operational-level

Also known as: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Aide, Dental Assistant (DA)

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Dental AssistingDentistryOral HealthcareClinical SupportHealthcarePatient CareAllied HealthMedical Support

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software
Henry Schein Dentrix

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+7.4%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

53,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

388,600

in 2025 → 417,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This field is experiencing expansion with increasing job opportunities and career advancement potential. Market demand is rising, with new positions being created.

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely streamline administrative tasks for dental assistants, such as scheduling, billing, and inventory management, through advanced software and automated systems. While direct patient care and assistance during complex procedures will remain human-led, AI could enhance diagnostic support for dentists and personalize patient education. This shift would allow dental assistants to focus more on hands-on patient interaction and crucial support during treatments.