Dental Assistant (DA)

Dental assistants handle patient care, records and scheduling. What they're allowed to do varies by state and office.
U.S. median pay
$23.11/hr
$48,070/yr
Projected growth
+7.4%
2025–35
Openings per year
53,000
average, 2025–35
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.

How people get started

Many programs take about 1 year and lead to a certificate or diploma. In some states you can learn on the job. BLS: How to become one

Licensing in one line

Entry-level assistants usually don't need a state license, but states that allow expanded duties require a license, registration or certification.

The dental career ladder

  1. Dental AssistantOften about 1 year
  2. Expanded-function / registered DAWhere your state allows it
  3. Dental HygienistAssociate's degree + exams

Pay

What dental assistants earn

Pay in every state

U.S. median hourly pay · BLS May 2025

$23.11

an hour · $48,070 a year

10th
$17.85
25th
$21.32
Median
$23.11
75th
$27.93
90th
$29.93

Hourly pay range: 10th percentile $17.85/hr, median $23.11/hr, 90th percentile $29.93/hr.

Schools

Programs that lead here

All schools content
Dental assisting programsMany programs take about 1 year; 2-year associate programs are less common. Certificate or diploma (about 1 year) or associate degree (2 years).Accreditation: CODA

Licensing

Licensing and verification

Find your state's board

Entry-level assistants usually don't need a state license, but states that allow expanded duties require a license, registration or certification.

“States that allow assistants to perform expanded duties, such as coronal polishing, require that they be licensed, registered, or hold certifications.” BLS

California

Full California guide: boards, lookups and key requirements. California DA licensing

Clinical rotations

For students

Your first clinical rotationThe checklist, from documents to day one.Licensing examsWhich exam you'll take after graduating.From student to first shiftBoard application to first paid shift.

Work as a DA with SHIFTit

Choose shifts that fit your life. Your credentials are verified once and travel with you to every facility on the platform.

Join SHIFTerz

Related careers and comparisons

Dental HygienistMedical Assistant

Sources

Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.