Many people, visitors and patients alike, who walk into a clinic almost always have less regard for the assistant that confirms their appointments and organizes their files, among other things. Also, for most of these people, the intricacies of being an assistant in such a workplace and their paygrade may seem almost irrelevant, but this shouldn’t be so.
The average salary for dental assistants has increased significantly since the year 2014. Statistically, there’s been a national increase in wages with an average of 17.27 percent. In a recent research conducted, it was observed that the average salary scale for dental assistants in the United States of America is $17 per hour. But typically, the dental assistant average salary ranges from $15-$19 per hour depending on various factors and $31,000-$39,000 annually.
The salary of the dental assistant is dependent on several factors. These factors range from education, location, etc. Years of experience in the career is also a huge factor. A dental assistant with an associate degree is placed on a salary scale different from a bachelor’s degree, masters, MD or Ph.D. holder. The pay scale varies depending on the educational qualification.
For obvious reasons, the salary range is at variant depending on the work sector. Staff in a private institution may earn lesser than one in the area depending on the employer. Staff in the state establishments and at the federal level tend to take home higher pay. Assistants working in California also earn a little higher than their counterparts in New York or Texas. Dental assistant average salary in the Columbia district is one of the highest.
Job Description
Depending on a person’s qualification, the dental assistant also known as dentist’s assistant or orthodontic assistant can relate personally with patients. They can also discharge some clerical duties in the clinic depending on their certification and experience. It is their job to assist the dentist as far as the patient need requires. During surgery, they have an obligation to provide auxiliary support to the dentist which includes; giving the tools as requested. Preparing the patient for dental surgery falls within this job description (with a knowledge of the dentition and surgical procedures).
Dental assistants with lesser certifications are usually assigned with paperwork duties. They make appointments, take care of the billing processes. They also function as receptionists, presenting a friendly attitude and ensuring maximum comfort of the patient. Impressive computer knowledge and amiable interpersonal skill are highly required to enable a good job delivering. They are also expected to carry out some business transactions for the company as the need arises.
Roles of a Dental Assistant
The diverse and dynamic roles of the career are duly considerable with regards to the take home pay. While the duties are enormous, they are not beyond reason. Among others, the core roles are;
• Get both the patient and the examination area ready for consultation and treatment.
• Can assist in oral surgery procedure with the supervision of the dentist.
• Monitor dental inventory and secure patient records.
• Carry out diagnostic x-rays.
• Create order for necessary supplies.
• Though experience is highly required, the dental assistant reports to the dentist 100 percent.
• Schedule an appointment.
• Educate patients on dental hygiene and hand them reading materials they can use to learn more.
• Takes care of working equipment and tools by cleaning, sterilizing and storing as required.
Dental assistants work mostly in dental firms, but can also work in other public establishments and private clinics. Leading private companies are known to pay the highest in the industry. Their salary scale ranges from $33k to $60k per annum. Some other establishments in the industry pay lesser than most with an average of $27k to $48k annually. Dental assistants possessing skills like periodontics, oral surgery, order inventory, endodontics, etc. earn a lot higher than individuals who lack them.
The level of experience wielded by an orthodontic assistant plays a significant role in the regular salary rate. A dental assistant with years of experience above two decades expects earnings an average wage of $40,000. Employees with work experience of 5 to10 years and 10 to 20 years, can be paid $34,000 and $37,000 respectively. Individuals with work experiences below five years should expect an average of $29,000. These compensation plans include; bonus, overtime pay, and allowances.
Career Benefits of a Dental Assistant
• Professionalism: it is a professional occupation. Therefore, significant health benefits, life insurance, and vacations are granted.
• Part-time: while dental assistants work full time, they enjoy the privilege of working part-time, in the evenings and weekends in some offices.
• Enjoy reasonable salary with bonuses and allowances.
• Early career start-up.
• There is a global opportunity for a dental assistant career.
• You don’t bother with decisions regarding medical care.
• Intensive education or high certificates are not needed.
Pay Raise for Dental Assistants
Every employee could use an increase in every establishment apparently, and of course, who wouldn’t? Have you heard of someone who was offered more money for the work they do diligently, but refused it? Without a doubt or second thought, they’d seize such an opportunity and embrace it with arms out wide. For dental assistants who are exceptional, a little increment to their salaries can provoke them to do even better than they already do. With the state of the economy, a pay increase will come in handy. With a clear observation to the enormous and demanding roles of a dental assistant, an increase in their wages will not be out of place. Their functions in an establishment are so vast that they also serve as receptionists, giving an official front to the firm. Despite their conspicuous importance, and rigidity, they earn the least in the dental sector.
While it is known that the salary of government workers increase with their promotions, it is necessary that the pay scale of dental assistants be raised from the entry point. This will motivate efficiency and devotion to the job. It will also inspire fresh minds to desire a career in the system.