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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

A Day in the Life

You arrive at Bright Smiles Dental in Austin, Texas, before 7:30 AM. Changing into your scrubs, you head straight to the sterilization area to turn on the autoclave and ultrasonic cleaner. You pull up the daily schedule on Dentrix, noting the morning's fillings and cleanings. Moving between operatories, you stock basic exam setups, ensuring the suction lines and air/water syringes are ready. Donning your first pair of gloves, you feel the busy day truly begin as the first patient is due soon.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

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

Hot technologies
Henry Schein DentrixMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
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 career has a bright outlook, showing rapid growth with about 53,000 job openings expected each year through 2035. The typical annual salary is around $48,070. An Associate's Degree is common for entry into this role, which can lead to further specialization or management positions within dental practices.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Dental Receptionist
  • Medical Secretary

Where it can lead

  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Office Manager
  • Dental Laboratory Technician

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.

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Salary

$48,070

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Dental Assisting/Assistant

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Medical/Clinical Assistant

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Medical Assistance

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 2 years

Healthcare Assistance

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 1 year

Executive Assistant

Vocational • Business & Economics • 1 year

Health and Welfare

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 2 years

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