How much does the average Dental Assistant make?

I have been assisting for about 4 years. I am not a RDA. I have my CPR license, X Ray license, and am experienced in ortho. I am able to perform everything except polishing. I am also able to do all the front office jobs except billing. How much should I be making in Hemet or Riverside County? I need peoples input here. I just got offered a job at $12 and I know people that are getting $17. What is the going rate here?

i make $21 and i have been working for 1 year

dre in Calgary, Alberta said: but i also heard that wages are alot lower in the states! my friend has been working for 2 years and makes 25!

I have been working as a Dental assistant for 17 years, Both General and Ortho.What is the going rate in Maryland?

I would like to know the going rate in Maryland also. I am considering taking the courses but dont wont to if the pay is less than what I am currently making as a phleb.

Just going to school to be Dental Assistant... any idea what they are making in Austin Texas?

Brooke in Queen Creek, Arizona said: Does anybody know how much D.A. Make in Arizona?

I was working in Gilbert before moving back to Ohio. I was making 18.00 a hour. I have been a dental assistant for 12 years.

I only make 8 an hour in utah, I will be moving to California, I have alot of experience now, I went to school and leearned so much from being in the office I am in now. I can do just about everything. How much should I make?

Brooke in Queen Creek, Arizona said: Does anybody know how much D.A. Make in Arizona?

I live in Phoenix,Az.I would say the salary rate is anywhere from $12.00 to $20.00 depending on your experience.I have been a DA for 15 years.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for joining the Indeed forums!

If you would like to know more about the average salary range for dental assistants, or any job for that matter, just use the Indeed.com Salary tool.
www.indeed.com/salary

Just type in the job, keyword or position you want to know more about and the area you're interested in and click "View Salary" to see the salary for your search and other related terms. Here's a search I did for "Dental Assistants"
www.indeed.com/salary?q1=dental+assistant&l1=&tm=1

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

Indeed Admin

Angie in Whittier, California said: I live in Phoenix,Az.I would say the salary rate is anywhere from $12.00 to $20.00 depending on your experience.I have been a DA for 15 years.

I have been assisting around 25 years and I am not RDA or CDA they really didn't offer this kind of stuff when I graduated except Xray license. Over the years Dr.'s never seem to care about RDA or CDA it never stopped me from getting a job. I make around 24.00 an hr here in CO. I moved here 5 years ago. I must move to AZ for my child and need to know should I become CDA and if so how do I take a brush up course to prepare me for the CDA exam? Also I see stuff about coronal polishing??? Could I get a job with my experience? Maybe figure out testing later?

I have been ansst for 25 years and make 17. an hour i have been there for almost two years w/nopay raise or paid vacationfrom what i have heard and seen the doctors go for the inexperience and play low ball i would never suggest anyone young getting into this the doctors are jerks well most of them.you are better to go medical.

Marie in Austin, Texas said: Just going to school to be Dental Assistant... any idea what they are making in Austin Texas?

My friend just graduated from a dental assisting school and she shocked me when she said they started her out at 8.75/hr! She paid over 11k for the training! At that rate, I'll save the 11k and might as well work flipping burgers! They start at 8.50/hr! Maybe she just sold herself short. I was thinking about becoming a RDA but now I'm not so sure!

I am wanting to move to New Braunfels, Tx. I have been a RDA for four years. In OK. I have my coronal polishing, x-ray and sealants certificates. I know they won't transfer to Tx. I wonder how easy it is to get a job and how much the pay might be.

d.a in l.a. in Laverne, Oklahoma said: I am wanting to move to New Braunfels, Tx. I have been a RDA for four years. In OK. I have my coronal polishing, x-ray and sealants certificates. I know they won't transfer to Tx. I wonder how easy it is to get a job and how much the pay might be.

Hi, There is a D.A. site on indeed...I would recommend looking at that site to see if there are any Tx D.A.'s that might be able to help you. GL in your research into D.A....in TX

i live in austin, texas, i started of externing at $6.00! YES! $6.00! But ive heard some start externing at nothin... well ive been at the same private single doctor practice i externed at for 4yrs... i am now making $16.00hr... i know i could be makin more with my experience, i am the only assistant... i do everything front office, everythin back office, chairside, and cleaning the 2 opt. office... my office is a close-knit small business family.. jus the doc, his wife whose the hygienist/receptionist, and me... at times i Think i should leave and make more money else where.. but i am loyal to my office and feel in the end itll all pay off....

If you went from $6 to $16 in only 4 years you are doing well. He's making some serious bank if he only has you to pay besides his wife. I commend you for working with a husband and wife team. I couldn't do it. Don't leave if you are satisfied. Money isn't everything. Good luck.

carolina in Arlington, Texas said: i live in austin, texas, i started of externing at $6.00! YES! $6.00! But ive heard some start externing at nothin... well ive been at the same private single doctor practice i externed at for 4yrs... i am now making $16.00hr... i know i could be makin more with my experience, i am the only assistant... i do everything front office, everythin back office, chairside, and cleaning the 2 opt. office... my office is a close-knit small business family.. jus the doc, his wife whose the hygienist/receptionist, and me... at times i Think i should leave and make more money else where.. but i am loyal to my office and feel in the end itll all pay off....

hey,
do you think they would do an extern again?

Friend of my daughter's just stopped in and was hired this morning as a DA for $10/hour 24-30 hours a week with no benefits. She said dr told her he takes unexpected family time and she will not be paid when he does so. She has 2 years of experience. This is a sad outcome as she spent $15K for her training. She currently works part-time at Menards and makes $11.50/hour there. She tried to negotiate and he wouldn't even match that and told her he has a stack of resumes to choose. Is assisting headed down the same road as hygiene?

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Friend of my daughter's just stopped in and was hired this morning as a DA for $10/hour 24-30 hours a week with no benefits. She said dr told her he takes unexpected family time and she will not be paid when he does so. She has 2 years of experience. This is a sad outcome as she spent $15K for her training. She currently works part-time at Menards and makes $11.50/hour there. She tried to negotiate and he wouldn't even match that and told her he has a stack of resumes to choose. Is assisting headed down the same road as hygiene?

Hi Suzanne! That seems HIGH for D.A. training...up here in the North, training is around $2,000-4,000+ for it. If she is working for this Dr....it's an "INCOME", but I would advise her to look in the papers and online on a daily basis...could help...but, this Dr. also sounds like an ..., so , make sure she plays nice and does all in that office, and then also, if she can work through a temp. ag. and or other Dr.'s office to "suppliment" her work experience, and hopefully...in the course of events...she finds a nice practice.....P.S. Did you go forward with letters, etc, CERTIFIED to that ....? Hang in there...I still think you would be a great Lawyer...and or D.H. advocate...WITH PAY!!!!! Exp

Yes, I sent my certified letter yesterday (to the corporate office) and enclosed the blank offer letter. I expressed regret and confusion about the lack of returned communication with the OM and wished them the best with their new practice. Should be interesting to see if I even get a response.
My daughter attended the same school as her friend. I have a Parent Plus loan I'm paying on for her that was $6700 and she has about the same in Stafford loans. Plus the school got about $3500 in a Pell grant. So that's what it cost her for the DA training. It was Kaplan College in Indianapolis. Expanded is $5000 extra. We didn't go for that. My daughter regrets it immensly. So does her friend. But for Terre Haute, I know asst's who have as many years exp as I do and they only make $12 or so an hour. The pay here literally is an insult. When you can go to McDonalds and make $9.50 to start with insurance it's hard to convince the kids to go to college. CNA's make $8 an hour. That's what my neice is doing and she works harder than I ever did. I wouldn't be surprised if her friend quit dental altogether and went fulltime with Menards, if she can.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Yes, I sent my certified letter yesterday (to the corporate office) and enclosed the blank offer letter. I expressed regret and confusion about the lack of returned communication with the OM and wished them the best with their new practice. Should be interesting to see if I even get a response.
My daughter attended the same school as her friend. I have a Parent Plus loan I'm paying on for her that was $6700 and she has about the same in Stafford loans. Plus the school got about $3500 in a Pell grant. So that's what it cost her for the DA training. It was Kaplan College in Indianapolis. Expanded is $5000 extra. We didn't go for that. My daughter regrets it immensly. So does her friend. But for Terre Haute, I know asst's who have as many years exp as I do and they only make $12 or so an hour. The pay here literally is an insult. When you can go to McDonalds and make $9.50 to start with insurance it's hard to convince the kids to go to college. CNA's make $8 an hour. That's what my neice is doing and she works harder than I ever did. I wouldn't be surprised if her friend quit dental altogether and went fulltime with Menards, if she can.

Hi Suzanne, That seems "high $" for "D.A." training...is/are they looking into Nursing, or other med. fields now? It seems that the cost for training and the hourly pay is all screwed up...In the N.E., training for D.A.: $2-5,000 and hourly rate ? 12-20 hourly, of course the D.A. is the right hand for the Dr. and thus I think they are not as expendable as we are...The higher range (16+-20 for a D.A.) is for the select few who REALLY organize the Dr.'s "mess"....we know about the slobs....I have found a little more temp. employment for the next month, but it is only temp., but again I found a nice Dr., but pay is reduced too by 5-6 bucks, nice office, older, but at least he picked me over the many resumes that are on the desk...for the short time...yah! $ for bills! Exp

Suzanne, Before you sent all the paperwork out , did you make copies....just in case....Have a nice day...Exp

exp,
yes I did! Just checking my email to see if anything from them before bedtime. Thought they might have gotten back with me since they "may" have needed me on the 30th and that's tomorrow! Nothing like giving a person notice :).
Have a good Monday.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: exp,
yes I did! Just checking my email to see if anything from them before bedtime. Thought they might have gotten back with me since they "may" have needed me on the 30th and that's tomorrow! Nothing like giving a person notice :).
Have a good Monday.

Hi Suzanne, Well, I guess they don't need an R.D.H. that bad...
Smart move on your part...I wish I knew of a practice up here in the N.E....that I didn't look into....but if you ever move up here and want to know who's good and/or not....I've seen alot of both...let me know of the journey North! Exp

Does anyone know how much RDH make in california? How the job market for hygienist

I just started about 2 weeks ago to work at a dental office. Im a CDA since Sept 8th, 2010. Im getting paid $18 per hour. He explain to me that he would pay me this amount since I do not have any previous working experience, so i believe CDA earn much more here. I live in Massachusetts.

The assistants at my office make 20-30 an hour.

RDH in Calgary, Alberta said: The assistants at my office make 20-30 an hour.

Wow 20-30/hr? that's really good as a DA! Should it be a career I look into? I want to be a dental hygienist though, but I think if I'm not getting in the program, I probably will do DA first and reapply. Keep my fingers crossed!

Jessica in Hayward, California said: Wow 20-30/hr? that's really good as a DA! Should it be a career I look into? I want to be a dental hygienist though, but I think if I'm not getting in the program, I probably will do DA first and reapply. Keep my fingers crossed!

Calgary and the province of Alberta are an exception when it comes to level of pay for dental professionals. The front desk people at my office make 20-25 an hour. This is not the norm for rest of Canada. Most assistants make 12-18 an hour in most areas.

Angel said: Does anyone know how much RDH make in california? How the job market for hygienist

@Angel - I'm in Calif. (northern) and hygienists make a lot of money here... I think about $70-80K a year. I am looking into it and emailed some faculty at one of the programs this afternoon. I wanted to know if having dental ASSISTING exp before applying to the hygiene program would make a dif and she said that it would help. So even though assisting is lower pay (a lot it seems sometimes, depending) I'm going to do it, work in the field and finish up my pre-reqs and apply for the hygiene program. That's the current plan anyway. :-)

It's incredible how much work a dental assistant does.u have been a chairside assistant for a couple years! I love the job an I am happy at the end of the day that the patient left smiling! The thing is I'm not certified yes I know you all say you don't like it .also the thing is I am really thinking of hygienist I really am :) I know they make great money but I really wanna do something I love I really am going to talk to the hygienist at my work also I hear from hygienists that its the same thing everyday its boring? But there helping in there own way I would think .if there are spelling mistakes sorry I'm on my iPhone.I am currently making 12$ a hour an after 3 month probation we negotiate a wage.wonder how they will do it? I notice alot of people in bc are not getting the wages they should be getting.an we have to deal with all the dentists sh*t am the work is hate an I'm not certified I wish I was.now I'm really thinking of my career thanks to you guys :) also I get what you guys mean I am strict with my mouth an someone who didn't know what they were doing I would be like ugh I'm outta here lol,I was lime that once upon a time now I know what I'm doing! An I wasn't just off the street. :) out hygiene ladys/men make really good money thank you fir sharing your stories everyone

Im going to school soon for Dental assisting/ Orthodontist assistant. Do they make the same amount of money?What type of places are best to work at? Small offices, large offices?
Does anyone know what extra skills i will need to get a job?

Indeed Admin in Stamford, Connecticut said: Hello Everyone,

Thank you for joining the Indeed forums!

If you would like to know more about the average salary range for dental assistants, or any job for that matter, just use the Indeed.com Salary tool.
www.indeed.com/salary

Just type in the job, keyword or position you want to know more about and the area you're interested in and click "View Salary" to see the salary for your search and other related terms. Here's a search I did for "Dental Assistants"
www.indeed.com/salary?q1=dental+assistant&l1=&tm=1

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

Indeed Admin

Your info. is NOT accurate as to the RDH salary...many are not recieving pay that they did (hourly or yearly) that they did 2-3yrs. ago...you are also making a guess of salary based on what info. from where? If you look on here you will see many , due to the oversaturation are not finding set work and the pay is moving backwards...we are not in demand anymore...many for the Dr.'s to choose from and thus not being paid for our skills and experience...I do work, but because of the MANY it can easily be adjusted down, because, they can let RDH's go now and get a replacement for 5-10 less...reality it is/heyday is gone. Very sad about this predicament...no reversal in sight for many years.

how much can i excpect to make in iowa after graduation?

Assistants here in TX start off @ $10-$12... not too shabby.. I guess..but then again the cost of living in a small city makes living alot cheaper..

I am a CDA in the boston area and I make $23 an hour. I have been a CDA for 11 years!

just wanted to know if anyone knows how much money DA makes in oceanside cali because im graduating from high school in a few weeks need to know whats going to help me pay for becoming an ASL IT?

ladybgreen14 in Oceanside, California said: just wanted to know if anyone knows how much money DA makes in oceanside cali because im graduating from high school in a few weeks need to know whats going to help me pay for becoming an ASL IT?

Check with a temp agency. Also, ask the instructors at your program and fellow students what they've been offered if they have positions yet...also , check a "DA website"...they have threads / conversations about DA's...this is an RDH page...different pay, ben's etc.

ladybgreen14 in Oceanside, California said: just wanted to know if anyone knows how much money DA makes in oceanside cali because im graduating from high school in a few weeks need to know whats going to help me pay for becoming an ASL IT?

I used to live in San Diego. The area pays very low to DAs and RDAs. It's hard to find a job also. DAs make from $8 to 17 an hour. RDAs $14-20. Only few offices pay more than $20 an hour for RDAs with years of experience.

I have a BA in Interior Design, I did six months of dental assistant work in Hawaii with no experience before I went off to school for Interior Design. Interior Design is not doing so hot and the BA degree isn't helping me get a job period making more than 11 per hour. Will the BA help me get on as hygienist? I will need to go back to school but will the BA help you think? I am still paying of the loans for that degree and don't want to make another mistake by going back to school for something that will not help.

Any suggestions?

I wouldn't go into DH now. The market is saturated and wages are going down. Few to no benefits. Workplaces can be cutthroat and plagued with inter-office politics. I'd recommend that you try anything else. If you're not sure of what you'd like to do, spend the bucks and see a career counselor and/or do aptitude testing and an interest inventory. Think about what you really like to do, where your natural talents lie, what you do easily and could keep doing without a second thought, and what would keep you interested and exploring and thinking while you work. Hygiene can be a dead-end job. Beforehand I would have said to go into it and use it as a stepping-stone ($$) to get another, better job. But one can't rely on it as a reliable source of income any more, and, the tuition fees are ridiculous. So really do your research: ask people in different fields about their jobs, see if you can job-shadow, and take a good, honest look at yourself and your likes/dislikes. Best of luck!

rdh4 in Victoria, British Columbia said: I wouldn't go into DH now. The market is saturated and wages are going down. Few to no benefits. Workplaces can be cutthroat and plagued with inter-office politics. I'd recommend that you try anything else. If you're not sure of what you'd like to do, spend the bucks and see a career counselor and/or do aptitude testing and an interest inventory. Think about what you really like to do, where your natural talents lie, what you do easily and could keep doing without a second thought, and what would keep you interested and exploring and thinking while you work. Hygiene can be a dead-end job. Beforehand I would have said to go into it and use it as a stepping-stone ($$) to get another, better job. But one can't rely on it as a reliable source of income any more, and, the tuition fees are ridiculous. So really do your research: ask people in different fields about their jobs, see if you can job-shadow, and take a good, honest look at yourself and your likes/dislikes. Best of luck!

Well said rdh4 in Victoria. Seriously--just perfect--- an appointment with a career counsellor, some job shadowing, aptitude testing...excellent. Ask yourself what are you passionate about....? What keeps you up at night or things you dream about doing....possibly doing for others....?? Not just something you'd do for the money...?

Thank you for the quick reply. That is great advice! I am honestly very passionate about sustainability and conservation. My dream job would be working with animals. I have a specific love for endangered wild cat species. I watch planet green and animal planet religiously. I have tried over and over to find jobs in the interior design field dealing with sustainable living. I even want an off the grid home some day. There just are not enough jobs for this. Those jobs are usually hiring engineers for the renewable energy plants. I tried applying to sustainable homes to help design them but there isn't enough demand. I even tried the zoo but must have prior experience working with animals and is also very competitive. I will check out the counseling. Thanks!

Michelle in Cypress, Texas said: Thank you for the quick reply. That is great advice! I am honestly very passionate about sustainability and conservation. My dream job would be working with animals. I have a specific love for endangered wild cat species. I watch planet green and animal planet religiously. I have tried over and over to find jobs in the interior design field dealing with sustainable living. I even want an off the grid home some day. There just are not enough jobs for this. Those jobs are usually hiring engineers for the renewable energy plants. I tried applying to sustainable homes to help design them but there isn't enough demand. I even tried the zoo but must have prior experience working with animals and is also very competitive. I will check out the counseling. Thanks!

Hi Michelle,
One thing that you could try doing is volunteering for a day in an animal shelter...or for a weekly visit doing whatever for 6 weeks in an animal shelter---walking dogs or cleaning stalls or something--just for the experience. As far as sustainable living---look into xeroscaping----sustainable landscaping--low impact on the environment, but beautiful landscaping....dealing with water conservation and yet beautifying the landscape. Just some ideas....volunteering within areas of interest, even just for a day or once a week for 3 weeks or something....sometimes exposes you to new ideas.... I would definately check into vet assisting too....I have some friends who STILL LOVE THEIR job after many years of working with animals....

Brooke in Queen Creek, Arizona said: Does anybody know how much D.A. Make in Arizona?

Well I was making anywhere from $16 to $18 in Tempe. Now I'm only making $13 in Prescott

how much does dental hygenist make in houston, tx???does it have a wide scope??

monsoon in Houston, Texas said: how much does dental hygenist make in houston, tx???does it have a wide scope??

It doesn't matter the scope if you can't find employment due to the oversaturation by school enrollment and it doesn't equal job opp's . Go another course of career. DH is expensive and the reality of steady, feasible, regular employment don't add up to the cost of school. DA is a better route if you only want dental for the benefits, job opps, benefits....or go for DENTAL = the Dr. GL in your research...many on here are giving their insight, experiences, work situations, etc...tough road for the TOO many in our field now .

Danielle in Perris, California said: I have been assisting for about 4 years. I am not a RDA. I have my CPR license, X Ray license, and am experienced in ortho. I am able to perform everything except polishing. I am also able to do all the front office jobs except billing. How much should I be making in Hemet or Riverside County? I need peoples input here. I just got offered a job at $12 and I know people that are getting $17. What is the going rate here?

only $12 an hour?? is thats goodd or badd.??

Hello people im studying Dental Assistant ,almost going to graduate, i live in Phoenix Arizona, if theres any DA that lives here around this area in AZ you guys know the best are or at least a city that pays good for DA like scottsdale or something like that ive heard that salaries depend on the area you apply too and some other factors. Thank you

dre in Calgary, Alberta said: i make $21 and i have been working for 1 year

what certificates do you have? because i want to make sure i'll b getting paid with a fair rate.