The average salary for dental assistants across the country was $44,710 in 2022, according to salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here are eight ways that dental assistants can increase their income, according to Investor Times:
1. Earning additional certifications and completing advanced training in specialized areas such as orthodontics and oral surgery.
2. Gaining more experience as a dental assistant.
3. Pursuing positions in higher demand areas. The three highest-paying areas for dental assistants are Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Delaware.
4. Research the average pay in the area and negotiate with employers to get the highest salary possible.
5. Pursue more responsibilities, such as inventory management or scheduling appointments.
6. Look for work in different settings. The three top-paying industries for dental assistants are home healthcare services, state government facilities and management of companies and enterprises.
7. Build connections with others in the industry by attending conferences and joining professional associations.
8. Weigh potentially becoming a dental hygienist. Hygienists typically earn more, with an average annual wage of $84,860.