Start a rewarding career as a dental assistant

• Dental assistants (DA) have no licensing requirements and many dentists offer on the job training.
• Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) are licensed professionals and can earn more than DAs.
• Registered Dental Assistants in extended functions (RDAEF) receive an additional license after advanced training.
• Orthodontic Assistants and Dental Sedation Assistants receive permits after successfully completing specialized training.

Learn more about related careers at the California Dental Association website.

Quick Facts

• Jobs Are Available Now. There’s no doubt that dental assistants are in demand! Right now, you can find a job in almost every part of the state – big city or small town. Plus, the career is projected to grow 11% through 2028, which is much faster than the average field. It’s easy to search and apply for current openings on our job board.
• Competitive Starting Salary & Growth Potential: The amount you earn depends on where you work but the earning potential is comparative to other entry-level positions in retail and hospitality. Dental assisting can be a lifelong career, and while some people use it as a stepping-stone toward other dental careers, others gain valuable on the job training, increasing their skills and pay.
• Career Stability: The California dental industry needs more dental assistants and in this time of economic uncertainty the profession is recession resistant. People need dental care regardless of the economy, so they always need access to qualified professionals who can help.
• Nights and Weekends Free: Dental assisting jobs come in both full and part-time positions and most dental offices have traditional hours during the week. Most dental assistants love the consistent schedule.
• Low College Debt: A college degree isn’t required to start working as a dental assistant, though some dentist offices may want candidates from a one-year certification program. In some cases, dentists will let you learn on the job and many will invest in your education and growth as a benefit to the entire office. Either way, you can start your career right away without accruing debt associated with four-year college.
• Dynamic Workplace: You’ll never be bored! There are a variety of responsibilities, so no day is the same as the one before. You can manage appointments and medical records one day and assist the dentist with exams the next. Eventually you might help with x-rays and other functions. Working in a dental practice is a fast-paced and exciting work environment – there’s never a dull moment!
• Perfect for a People Person: Dental assistants meet and work with lots of different people, from all cultures and backgrounds. They are also surrounded by a team that often feels like a family.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Most dental offices are calm, professional environments. While there may be stressful moments, the dental assistant is there to keep the team and the office running smoothly, providing support in a variety of capacities to assure the best experience for patients.
• You’re There to Help: If helping others gives you satisfaction, being a dental assistant will give you all the feels. You’re there to put patients at ease, help your team and make a positive impact on everyone from patients to co-workers. The dental community also provides many opportunities to give back – through community dental clinics, philanthropic efforts and more.
• Making People Smile: At the end of the day, dental professionals take pride in putting patients first and giving them a reason to smile – the best reward of all. Ask any dental assistant about the best part of their job and chances are you’ll hear a wonderful story about making a positive impact on patients’ lives.

Resources

About

The Smile Crew CA is a dental assistant recruitment campaign powered by the California Dental Association and the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. The goal of the campaign is to bring awareness to the dental assisting profession and job opportunities throughout California.

San Diego