Being certified allows them to meet with patients, prepare the dental team, and educate patients about oral care. The 10 lowest states where dental assistants make the least money are geographically located primarily in the U.S. UU. An extended function dental assistant (EFDA) performs tasks beyond what many consider “traditional, and each state defines what these duties are.
In addition to these tasks, you provide administrative assistance in the dental office, including filing medical records, answering phones, and scheduling appointments. According to recent job offers at ZipRecruiter, the Dental Associate job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring. As a dental specialist, you specialize in one area of dentistry to provide special care for your patients. Salary ranges for dental assistants can vary widely based on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.
Some states allow certified dental assistants to perform x-rays, while others only allow the assistant to process them. Dental assistants spend most of their day interacting with patients and assisting with dental exams and procedures. You can view income data for all dental assistants nationwide on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. A dental assistant's responsibilities may include preparing and sterilizing equipment, processing x-rays, and administrative tasks such as filing documents and scheduling appointments.
Typically, dental assistants prepare equipment and supplies for the dentist prior to an exam or procedures, clean and sterilize equipment after the patient appointment, take and process x-rays, and update patient documentation. If you're a dental assistant, you can improve your chances for a better average salary by moving to a state that pays dental assistants more than the U. If you're not sure what salary is appropriate for a dental assistant position, visit the Indeed Salary Calculator for a specific, personalized pay range based on your location, sector and experience. Other responsibilities include assisting the dentist as he examines patients, maintaining accurate records, scheduling appointments, and answering patient questions about billing and services.
As a pediatric dental assistant, her job duties include preparing exam rooms for children, preparing a tray with smaller dental tools, teaching children proper brushing and flossing practices, taking and developing x-rays of children's teeth, and applying dental sealants.
