🏥 Healthcare ↑ 8% growth · Faster than average

Dental Assistant (DA)

Dental assistants work chairside with dentists — passing instruments, taking impressions, assisting with X-rays, and keeping patients calm. It's a fast-training career with immediate hire potential.

$45,941 Median Salary
343K US Jobs
9–12 months Training
$5,000–$15,000 Typical Cost

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$35,000
Median
$45,941
Experienced
$60,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

8%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
343K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
CDA
Required Credential
CDA (DANB) — required in most states

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Dental Assisting Certificate or Diploma
Program Length
9–12 months
Typical Tuition
$5,000–$15,000
Work Setting
Dental offices, oral surgery practices, orthodontists
🏆 Credential Required: CDA (DANB) — required in most states

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Dental Assistant (DA) involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Dental offices environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🏫 Schools and programs related to Dental Assistant (DA)

USA Career Finder combines federal education datasets, state-approved training lists, workforce training provider lists, and licensing-board sources where available. Always confirm program availability, cost, admissions requirements, and licensing eligibility directly with the school.

Federal dataset match
Community College

Community College of Baltimore County

📍 Baltimore, MD
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Columbia State Community College

📍 Columbia, TN
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College

📍 Harrisburg, PA
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Highlands College of Montana Tech

📍 Butte, MT
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

Cleveland State Community College

📍 Cleveland, TN
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Roane State Community College

📍 Harriman, TN
Certificate 2-4yr

🗺️ Dental Assistant (DA) by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

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