Top 10 Ways to Make the Most Money as a Dental Assistant: Proven Tips to Maximize Your Salary in 2025
Top 10 Ways to Make the Most Money as a Dental Assistant: Proven Tips to Maximize Your Salary in 2025
Dental assisting is one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers in the United States, and it offers strong income potential for those willing to go beyond the basics. If you're wondering how to make the most money as a dental assistant, this guide breaks down the top strategies to increase your earning power—whether you're just starting out or already experienced in the field.
1. Earn a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Credential
Certification is one of the most powerful ways to boost your pay. Dental assistants certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) consistently earn more than those without credentials. Certification proves your clinical knowledge and often leads to better jobs with higher salaries. According to DANB data, CDAs earn about $2–$5 more per hour on average.
2. Get Licensed as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
Many states allow EFDAs to perform more complex duties like placing restorations, applying sealants, or making temporary crowns. These assistants are in high demand and usually earn significantly more due to their enhanced skill set. EFDA licensing often takes just a few months and pays off long-term with hourly rates exceeding $30 per hour in many areas.
3. Work in High-Paying States and Metropolitan Areas
Location can have a massive impact on your salary. States like California, Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, and Minnesota routinely offer the highest wages for dental assistants. In some cities—like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and New York City—top assistants can earn $35/hour or more, especially with certification and experience.
4. Specialize in High-Demand Dental Fields
General dentistry offers solid pay, but dental specialties often pay even more. Consider working in:
Oral and maxillofacial surgery – high hourly rates due to surgical assistance
Endodontics – specialized root canal care pays well
Orthodontics – steady patient flow means more consistent hours and bonuses
Pediatric dentistry – offers premium wages in select practices
These specialties require specific knowledge, but the extra training can translate into big salary gains.
5. Stay in the Field and Build Experience
Like most professions, your pay as a dental assistant will grow with your years of service. After 5–10 years in the field, many assistants reach senior roles or negotiate significantly better pay. Employers value experienced staff who don’t require constant training and who bring efficiency and confidence to the team.
6. Take On Leadership Roles
If you’ve mastered the clinical side, aim for positions such as:
Lead Dental Assistant
Treatment Coordinator
Office Manager
These roles come with added responsibility, but also higher pay, scheduling power, and sometimes bonuses or benefits packages.
7. Work Overtime or Pick Up Per Diem Shifts
Another fast-track option to increase income is working overtime, weekend hours, or per diem shifts at other offices. Temporary agencies often pay higher rates—up to $35–$45/hour—especially when covering emergency gaps or short-staffed periods.
8. Find Work in Government or Hospital Settings
Dental assistants working in public health clinics, military hospitals, VA facilities, and large healthcare networks often earn more than those in private practices. These jobs may also offer better benefits, union protection, pension plans, and paid time off.
9. Pursue Continuing Education and Cross-Training
Investing in yourself through continuing education (CE) makes you more versatile—and therefore more valuable. Learning new software, radiology techniques, sedation assisting, or insurance billing can help you command a higher wage and take on a hybrid clinical/administrative role.
10. Ask for a Raise and Know Your Market Value
Many dental assistants never negotiate their salaries—but those who do often get what they ask for. Research average wages in your area, track your accomplishments, and present your value during annual reviews. Be professional and confident. Timing matters: ask after completing a certification, leading a project, or during budgeting season.
