Does a Dental Assitant make good money and do they get good medical benefits?



Answers:
I agree with emmalue and justine. I started out 10 years ago making $7.50. I knew squat about dentisty. That was when in yahoo could be an assistant and basically the only certification that you had to have was radiology. Now, at least in my state, assistants have to be registered by the state, just like a nurse, and have to take continueing education courses.

I have made as much as $16.50 and hour, but I took a cut in pay a couple of years ago, to move to an office closer to home and now only make $15.00. I do get bonuses if I haul butt and do a good job.

However, pay depends on your skill level, not amount of time in the field. I have seen many assistants who had the desire to be in this field, but just were not cut out for it. I worked with one woman who had 6 years on me, and I knew just as much as her. She saw my paycheck one day and got mad that I made more than her. The dentist basically said that we each got paid what we deserved, she wasn't happy about that, but it was true.
I work with a woman now who has 10 years over me, but skill wise we are pretty much equal. I have been lucky to work for dentist who depended on me to run the show, so I have been able to really expand my knowledge of the field.

If you can do the same, you can make good money, but it all depends on the dentist and the area.

Define "good money." Some people would think so. Some not.
And benefits just depend on the dentist who work for.

A dental hygienist would make more than a dental assistant.

And a dentist should make more.

An orthodontist or an oral surgeon, more.
yes! they do
It's respectible but you should aim a little higher to get the good paychecks. Here in OHIO average pay would be $14-16 per hour and that's depending on experience. Hope this helps. I can say it's a fun field. I just love my job.
I've been assisting for 5 years now. I think I started out at $8.00/hour and now I'm up to $15/hour. Both offices I've worked in, I got free dental work (except you have to pay for any lab fees). At one office I had GREAT medical benefits but the office I work for now I have crap. I live in Eastern Kansas
Go to http://www.monster.com or http://www.careerbuilders.com and you can do a zip code search.
It depends on your experience and where you are at-state and location of office. Some assistance make really good money others don't. And benefits depend on the dentist-the office I work for doesn't offer medical benefits, he will pay a portion of your premiums if you have it- luckily I have benefits through my husband. Good luck. Keep in mind all dentist are basically the same in their persona hope you have the strength and patience to put up with them!
For the most part, the salary of a dental assistant depends on experience, level of skills, specialty training, and location.

Bigger cities, bigger salaries is a general rule.

Where I live, a well-qualified assistant with expanded skills can make $20 to $25 per hour with benefits. Certainly beats working a cash register or waiting tables, although more education is required.

Sorry, Cyn, that you've had dentists with bad personality traits. Keep looking - there are some great dentists out there who treat patients and staff with respect. I'm lucky to work with two of them!
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