Can you become a dentist after being a dental assistant?

After working for a number of years, dental assistants may choose to complete an advanced degree to become a dental hygienist or dentist.

What is the next step up from dental assistant?

Hygienist. You can advance your career as a dental assistant by becoming a dental hygienist. Many hygienists find satisfaction in advising patients and helping them maintain good oral hygiene. Hygienists also enjoy a more flexible work schedule and higher pay.

Is a dental assistant considered a dental professional?

Myth busters for dental assistants: Dental assistants are not oral health-care professionals and our opinions do not matter. Wrong! We dental assistants make up a large part of the dental community. There are around 330,000 of us compared to 200,000 dentists and 150,000 dental hygienists.

Do dental assistants clean teeth?

Dental assistants receive training to do basic oral health procedures, but they can’t perform invasive ones. By law, they can’t clean teeth because this practice requires specialized oral health training. Furthermore, they can’t perform any task that would require them to use a drill or dental prick.

How much does a dental assistant make a year?

How Much Do Dental Assistant Jobs Pay per Hour?

Annual Salary Hourly Wage
Top Earners $45,500 $22
75th Percentile $40,000 $19
Average $35,961 $17
25th Percentile $31,000 $15

How many years does it take to be a dentist assistant?

two years
Dental assisting programs at community colleges typically last about two years. Students not only take numerous dental assisting classes, but they also have to enroll in general education courses. Some community college students may take longer than two years, depending on their individual schedule and progress.

How much does a dental assistant make per month?

How Much Do Dental Assistant Jobs Pay per Month?

Annual Salary Monthly Pay
Top Earners $45,500 $3,791
75th Percentile $40,000 $3,333
Average $35,961 $2,996
25th Percentile $31,000 $2,583