How Much Does a Medical Dental Assistant Make?

A medical dental assistant make an average of $32,000 a year. The job outlook for medical dental assistant is positive with a projected 17% growth from 2014 to 2024.

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Introduction

A medical dental assistant is a specialized type of dental assistant who provides tools and assistance to dental surgeons during medical procedures. dental assistants must complete an accredited Dental Assisting program and pass a state-specific examination to become certified. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for medical dental assistants was $37,970 in 2018, with the top 10 percent earning more than $51,180.

What is a Medical Dental Assistant?

A medical dental assistant is a type of dental assistant who performs both clinical and administrative tasks in a dentist’s office. They typically work alongside the dentist, providing assistance with procedures such as taking x-rays, preparing patients for treatment, and sterilizing dental instruments. Medical Dental Assistants may also perform basic office duties such as scheduling appointments, handling billing, and stocking supplies.

The average annual salary for a medical dental assistant is $35,000. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Medical Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant supports dentists in their work, providing patients with the best possible care. dental assistants usually work in a private dental office, although they may also find employment in a hospital setting. Their duties can be divided into four main categories: clinical, administrative, laboratory, and patient care.

Clinical duties include such tasks as taking X-rays, preparing patients for treatment, and sterilizing instruments. Administrative duties might include answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining patient records. Laboratory duties might involve mixing dental materials and making casts of teeth. Patient care duties might include instructing patients on how to take care of their teeth and providing them with post-operative care instructions.

The Job Outlook for Medical Dental Assistants

The job outlook for medical dental assistants is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental assistants will grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The Salary of a Medical Dental Assistant

A medical or dental assistant is a key member of a physician’s or dentist’s team, providing support with patient care and office administration. If you’re interested in working in the medical field but don’t want to pursue a lengthy and expensive degree, becoming an assistant could be the right career path for you.

As a medical or dental assistant, you can expect to earn a median annual salary of $37,570, or $18.08 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary will vary based on factors such as your geographic location, education and experience.

In general, Medical and Dental assistants with more experience and education will earn higher salaries. For instance, those who have completed postsecondary training programs may earn starting salaries that are 10% to 20% higher than those of assistants who have only completed high school, according to the BLS. In addition, assistants who have received certification from professional organizations may also earn higher salaries.

How to Become a Medical Dental Assistant

A medical dental assistant is a key member of the dental team who provides direct patient care in both the clinical and administrative settings. Dental assistants work closely with dentists, providing patients with high quality care.

Becoming a medical dental assistant requires completion of an accredited dental assisting program. Dental assisting programs are available at many community colleges and technical schools across the country. Admission requirements vary by school, but most programs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

Once you have completed an accredited dental assisting program, you will need to pass a national examination, such as the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Examination, to earn your certification. Once you are certified, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses on a regular basis.

The median annual salary for medical dental assistants was $35,980 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of medical dental assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services is expected to increase as the population grows and ages. As a result, there will be an increasing need for preventive and therapeutic dental services.

The Training Required to Become a Medical Dental Assistant

In order to become a medical dental assistant, you will need to complete an accredited dental assisting program. These programs typically last between nine and twelve months, and include both classroom and clinical training. During your coursework, you will learn about dental anatomy, infection control, radiology, and other topics. You will also gain practical experience working with patients in a dental office. Once you have completed your training, you will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. Upon passing this exam, you will be a certified dental assistant

The Certification Required to Become a Medical Dental Assistant

To become a medical dental assistant, you will need to complete a certification program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Some programs may last up to two years, but most can be completed in about one year.

Once you have completed a certification program, you will need to pass a state-administered examination. After passing this examination, you will be a certified medical dental assistant and will be able to work in most states. Some states may require you to pass an additional examination or complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification.

The Skills Required to Become a Medical Dental Assistant

Medical dental assistants are an important part of the healthcare team. They work closely with dentists, providing chair-side assistance and support. They also take on administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling patient billing.

To become a medical dental assistant, you will need to have certain skills and qualities. First, you must be able to communicate effectively. This is important because you will be dealing with patients on a daily basis. You will need to be able to explain procedures and answer any questions that patients may have. Additionally, you must be able to work well under pressure. This is a fast-paced environment and you will need to be able to think on your feet. Finally, you must have excellent organizational skills. This is important because you will be responsible for keeping the dental office running smoothly. If you have these skills and qualities, then a career as a medical dental assistant may be right for you!

Conclusion

The average medical dental assistant make around $32,000 per year. Of course, there are many factors that can affect this number, such as location, experience, and more.