Dental Assistant Salary 2011: Rewarding And Competitive
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The dental assistant salary 2011 remains one of the more rewarding and competitive in the field of health care. Every two years, the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) conducts a survey among certified workers, that covers work conditions, and the relationship of work setting, location and experience to the salary. The last was done in April of 2010 and showed that even with the economic slowdown, workers with less than a year to five years of experience were paid at least $15 per hour.
High Pay, Short Training
Aesthetics and a higher awareness for oral health care has pushed the demand for skilled dental workers. A one year diploma program or two-year associate degree can get your foot in the door. Dentists are increasingly turning to assistants to help them attend to their growing clientele. There are many opportunities for dental assistants around the country, and more people are being encouraged to work in this field.
The lure is the relatively short term training period and the possibility to advance in terms of pay and even position with experience, dedication and commitment. And if you can't be a dentist yet, a dental assistant is a perfect first step to hone your skills and knowledge in preparation for that ultimate goal.
The range of the dental assistant salary 2011 is between $19,832 and $41,321. The wide gap is largely due to the number of years you have been employed as dental assistant, and if you perform regular duties or expanded functions.
Below Is A Median Salary Range Based On Years Of Work Experience:
Less than 1 year $19,832 - $29,735
1-4 years $20,744 - $29,906
5-9 years $21,512 - $32,049
10-19 years $24,307 - $39,459
20 + years $24,936 - $41,321
A good income is not the only perk. Dental clinics usually provide other benefits like paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave and of course, free dental care, among others.
Factors To Boost Pay
According to the DANB survey, there is also a $2 per hour difference in pay for a certified and non-certified dental assistants so workers should really consider taking the DANB certification exam. Not only will you enjoy better pay, employers will naturally prefer workers whose skills and capabilities are validated by a professional body.
The school or program completed also have a bearing on your chances of competing for many dental assistant jobs. Find the ones recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation since they provide training that supposedly meets industry standards.
Industry Outlook
By 2018, the number of dental assistants is expected to reach 400,900 from 295,300 that was logged in 2008. And if the dental assistant salary 2011 is any indication, it can only get more rewarding in the future.
Dental assistants used to be hired even without prior training and experience because the skills needed can be developed on the job. All that was required was a high school diploma or GED. You eventually learned about oral health care and dentistry, as well as office practices as you went along.
However, computerization and health care coverage through insurance has necessitated additional training thus the development of programs for dental assisting.
But this kind of preparation has only served to lift the standards of oral health care delivery by the entire dental team. Times may be difficult but if you are employed as dental assistant, and certified at that, you will definitely enjoy the dental assistant salary 2011.
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