Are you a dental assistant looking to make more money?
Here are seven ways to increase your salary as a dental assistant:
- Take on More Responsibilities - Get more experience and credentials to earn a higher hourly rate compared to those who are new to the field.
- Earn DANB Certification - Become DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) certified to have a $2 more per hour increase to your salary. Also, CDAs receive additional workplace benefits, such as paid vacation time and holidays, compared with those who are not certified.
- Consider Your Practice Type and Job Location - The type of practice you work in as well as the location of your practice can affect your paycheck. It means dental assistants who work in major metropolitan areas tend to earn more than dental assistants who work in smaller towns. Some states tend to pay higher wages. Also, CDAs who work in specialty practices typically make more than those employed in general dental practices.
- Do Your Research - Before asking for a raise, it is imperative that you do your research about average wages for dental assistants in your area or other important things in order to be prepared for this conversation with your employer.
- Build Your Experience - The longer you’ve worked in the dental industry, the higher salary you can command. As you grow in experience, you’re likely to be compensated accordingly.
- Become a dental hygienist - dental hygienists make more money than dental assistants and require more training and education. However, if you enjoy working in the dental field, it may be worth it to make the transition to dental hygiene.
- Temp - temping on your days off is a great way to make more money as a dental assistant.
Are there other ways you’ve earned more money as a dental assistant? Let us know!
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Chris Lewandowski
January 30, 2024
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