4 things dental assistants who love their career have in common
What makes dental assisting a career rather than just a job? This is one of the questions the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) explored in its 2024 Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey. The newly released survey results reveal that about 2 out of 3 dental assistants are satisfied or very satisfied with their current job. Overall, 71% of dental assistants say they view dental assisting as a career, with assistants citing a variety of factors determining their satisfaction.
“I became a dental assistant because it is a career that will always be in demand and needed,” says Amber Restina, CDA, of Titusville, Florida. “Life as an assistant is always different from day to day. I work in prosthodontics, where there is a wide variety of procedures. I have been with the dental practice where I’m currently working for six years, and I’m still learning.”
Career satisfaction is something that can be cultivated, and dental assistants who love their career have a few things in common.
They are certified.
Dental assistants who report loving their profession share a key commonality: They are DANB certified. There are many benefits to holding DANB certification. The survey results show receiving a higher salary tops the list, followed by having more workplace benefits, higher job satisfaction, increased career opportunities, and greater career mobility.
CDAs report earning 15% more, or $3.50 per hour, than non-certified dental assistants. CDAs also say they feel fairly compensated at $29 per hour, compared to dental assistants who are not certified reporting feeling satisfied with $25 per hour.
Enid Mendez Soto, CDA, of East Hampton, Connecticut, proudly shares: “One way CDA certification has impacted my career is by earning a higher hourly rate!”
Dental assistants who earn higher wages are more likely to report high job satisfaction overall. “I enjoy my job, and I recently received a good cost-of-living raise,” says Janice Burnham, CDA, of Williamsburg, Iowa.
Certificants also express feelings of personal pride and confidence. “With certification comes better money and more recognition,” believes Shari Johnson, CDA, of Henryville, Indiana. “I’m proud of my certification.”
They are leaders.
Survey results show that in addition to raises, CDAs also receive increased career opportunities.
“My career has evolved since I earned certification,” says Niotha Neves, CDA, of Inkster, Michigan. “I have been working with a company that values my dental knowledge.”
Since holding certification demonstrates knowledge and skills, CDAs are more likely to take on leadership roles. Many are lead dental assistants or become dental office managers or educators.
“One of my favorite moments as a dental assistant was becoming the lead DA and the feeling of accomplishment and growth,” says Kiley Yankun, CDA, of Stoughton, Massachusetts.
Stephanie De Leon, CDA, of Big Bear City, California, has found rewards in working in education: “With CDA certification, I was able to get a job as a dental assistant instructor — and now, I love to teach. I’ve been teaching for seven years.”
They have a positive workplace culture.
Climbing the career ladder isn’t the only factor driving up career satisfaction for dental assistants, particularly CDAs. After salary, the next top two factors are having work-life balance and feeling like part of a team, respectively.
While work settings for dental assistants vary, one fact remains the same. Job satisfaction is tied to working in a friendly, respectful, and cooperative environment — whether that’s in a community, public clinic or Federally Qualified Health Center, private dental practice, dental support organization, or school or university.
Positive workplace dynamics can be guided by a statement on values or culture for employees, which 55% of dental assistants say their practice has.
For Sobeyda Muro, CDA, of Jacinto City, Texas, strong team rapport at the office has made all the difference: “I have worked with great doctors and have made beautiful friendships with team members. I have been dental assisting since 1977, and I’m still at it. I love it.”
Employers with a positive workplace culture also offer work-life balance, with a schedule allowing for breaks and providing time for loved ones and responsibilities outside of work.
When asked what motivates her to stay in the dental assisting profession, Jessica Sims, CDA, of Lindale, Georgia, responds, “Honestly, the schedule, which allows me time with my children.”
Additionally, employers with a healthy workplace culture provide the most common benefits dental assistants receive, which are paid time off, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan, dental care, and health insurance.
Overall, CDAs report more workplace benefits. “Certification has given me the opportunity to make an amazing living to support my family,” says Melissa Constable, CDA, of Hagerstown, Maryland.
They are dedicated.
Dental assistants who are satisfied with their job — and especially their pay — usually have no plans to leave their role or profession, the latest survey indicates. It’s true: Dental assistants who love their career stay in the field.
“At 66 years of age, I am asked several times a month, ‘When are you going to retire?’ As the song goes, ‘Ain’t no stopping me now!’” says Deborah Ashcraft, CDA, of Columbus, Ohio. “I love my career, my work family, and the patients I serve every day.”
Those seeking more from their dental assisting role, and who are interested in carving out a long-term career in the profession, might consider pursuing DANB certification.
Through the process of preparing for, taking, and passing DANB exams, dental assistants elevate their knowledge base and skills. Earning certification can be an energizing experience for dental assistants because they are immersing themselves in learning the ins and outs of the dental field. And since completing continuing education is necessary for renewing DANB certification each year, certificants are committed to lifelong learning.
“Certification shows you have the knowledge and training necessary to be a great dental assistant,” believes Nancy Leary, CDA, of Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Ultimately, certificants stand out from their peers as being especially dedicated to the dental assisting profession.
“I started in the dental field in 1989. I love what I do and hope to do it for many years to come,” shares Lisa Patterson, CDA, of Manahawkin, New Jersey.