Do Dental Assistants Make Good Money?
Do Dental Assistants Make Good Money?
For fully certified dental assistants in New York, especially those with extensive experience and advanced credentials, salaries can approach the high end of the $60,000 to $75,000 range, but hitting $100,000 is still highly uncommon. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Even with full certification, most CDAs in New York plateau around $70,000 to $80,000 under ideal conditions.
Top Salary Range for Certified Dental Assistants in NY:
Base Salary: $55,000 to $70,000 per year
With 10+ years experience or specialization (e.g. oral surgery, prosthodontics): $70,000 to $80,000
With added duties, overtime, or working in high-cost areas like Manhattan: $80,000 to $85,000 (very rare cases may hit $90,000)
To reach or exceed $100,000, a dental assistant in NY usually must:
Transition into practice management, becoming an office manager or clinical director
Work for a multi-specialty dental practice or surgical clinic
Take on educational, consulting, or training roles in addition to chairside work
Or move into a higher-paying dental field, such as dental hygiene (which averages $85,000–$110,000+ in NY)
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed dental assistant is the way to go. And when it comes to training, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
