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How to Increase A Dental Assistant's Salary

By Kim Johnson

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 20Mar2012
Word count: 408
Viewed: 95 time(s)

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A dental assistant should not be confused with dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are licensed to clean patient's teeth and examine oral areas for symptoms of oral disease. They are also competent to educate and advise patients on taking care of their oral hygiene. Dental hygienists assist the dentist to develop X-rays, and apply fluoride or sealants.

On the other hand, a dental assistant's responsibilities can be widely categorized into three areas. These areas include patient care, laboratory work, and office administration. Under patient care, the dental assistant is responsible for preparing the various supplies and tools to the dentist. In the laboratory, the dental assistant would make molds and impressions. On top of that, dental assistants perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and receiving bills.

Based on a survey done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, the median annual wage for a dental assistant is $33,470. The highest earning dental assistant brings home a pay check amounting to $47,090 and above. Young dental assistants have higher chances of earning a higher income if they work at the right states. The average annual wage of a dental assistant salary is highest in California at $35,290. This is followed by New York and Illinois at $34,430 and $33,270 respectively.

The place of work also determines the income rate of a dental assistant. Those working at federal government owned hospitals earn slightly higher than those working in specialty hospitals. A dental assistant can also choose an area of specialization to increase their income. There are also opportunities for the dental assistant to be promoted to the ranks of a manager who manages several other dental assistants and the entire dental clinic's operations. Experienced dental assistants can also enter the education field and teach new dental assistants where the income is more attractive.

In order to increase the annual income of a dental assistant, certification is crucial. Getting certified as a dental assistant is a quicker way to achieve a higher salary as opposed to gaining work experience. To be a certified dental assistant, one needs to pass the examinations from the Dental Assisting National Board. Once the dental assistant clears the test, they will be awarded a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) distinction.

Besides monetary incentives, a dental assistant should also consider the non-monetary incentives they receive from their employers. This can range from paid vacations, paid sick time, meal and transportation allowances, and many more.

Being a Dental Assistant is a great career choice. The cost of training is relatively low and employment is in high demand. Increase your earning potential by bring home a highly respected Dental Assistant Salary. To find out more, please visit: =>http://www.getfreedental.com/dentalassistant.htm

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