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Dental Assistants

Dental assistants help dentists with patient care, office tasks, and lab duties.

Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, depending on the dental office they work in. They work closely with dentists as they examine and treat patients.

Dental Assistants are in the Health Science career cluster and the Therapeutic Services pathway.

Quick Facts

Wages:

 Above the statewide median

$20.73 / hour    Read more about wages

Outlook:

 Percent Growth   19%

Above statewide average    Read more about outlook

Education & Training:

 Moderate-term on-the-job training (1-12 months) is common.

On the Job:

 Work Activities
  • Assist dentists at chair-side as they examine and treat patients.
  • Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment. Prepare equipment trays for dentist.
  • Prepare patient for exams and procedures.
Read more about the job

Assess your skills

Job Title Examples:

 Expanded Duty Dental Assistant,  Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA),  Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) 
See more job title examples

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.