How to make the most money as a Dental Assistant?
How to make the most money as a Dental Assistant?
How to Make the Most Money as a Dental Assistant: 10 Proven Strategies for Boosting Your Income
Dental assisting is a rewarding career with solid income potential—but if you're wondering how to make the most money as a dental assistant, the key is to be strategic. Here are 10 ways to maximize your earnings in this growing healthcare field.
1. Get Certified
Earning your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is one of the fastest ways to increase your income. Certified assistants often earn $2–$5 more per hour than non-certified peers.
2. Pursue Expanded Functions Training
In many states, becoming an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) allows you to do more clinical tasks—such as placing fillings or taking final impressions. This increased responsibility comes with higher pay and greater job security.
3. Work in High-Paying States or Cities
Wages vary significantly by geography. Consider relocating to high-paying areas like:
California
Washington
Alaska
Massachusetts
New York City
In these regions, hourly wages of $28 to $35 are common for experienced and credentialed assistants.
4. Specialize in a High-Demand Dental Field
Working in specialty practices can boost your pay significantly:
Oral surgery offices may offer hazard or surgical pay.
Orthodontics pays well and often offers bonuses.
Endodontics and prosthodontics value assistants with advanced skills.
5. Gain Experience and Stay Loyal
Longevity matters. Assistants who stay with the same employer for 5+ years often receive raises, bonuses, and leadership opportunities. As you gain trust and skill, you can negotiate better pay.
6. Take on Office Management or Lead Roles
If you enjoy organization and leadership, consider cross-training as a lead assistant, treatment coordinator, or office manager. These roles typically offer higher salaries and sometimes benefits like profit sharing.
7. Pick Up Overtime or Per Diem Work
Some assistants increase their income by working extra hours, weekends, or on-call shifts at other offices. Staffing agencies sometimes offer $35–$45/hour for temporary coverage during emergencies or short staffing periods.
8. Work in Public Health or Hospitals
While private dental practices are common, public health departments, VA hospitals, and surgical centers may offer higher base pay, full benefits, and pension plans—especially in unionized settings.
9. Stay Current with Continuing Education
Take regular CE courses in radiology, sedation, infection control, and even billing software. The more versatile you are, the more valuable you are—and the better positioned you’ll be to ask for a raise.
10. Negotiate Smartly
Don’t wait to be offered a raise. Research local salary ranges, track your responsibilities, and build a case for your next performance review. Confidence and timing are key when negotiating pay.
Summary:
To make the most money as a dental assistant, invest in education, certifications, and clinical expertise. Combine that with strategic career moves—like relocating, specializing, or taking on leadership duties—and you can position yourself at the top of the pay scale. With planning and persistence, dental assisting can be both a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.
If you're searching for more than just a job—a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential—then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Moreover, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, 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.
