What Can You Do With an Associate's Degree in Dental Assisting in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What courses are offered by dental assisting degree programs?

Dental assisting degree programs, including accelerated online dental assistant associates degree programs, offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training to prepare students for the demands of the profession. Some common courses include the following:

• Chairside Assisting: This course teaches students essential chairside techniques, including instrument handling, sterilization procedures, and patient preparation. These skills ensure that they can efficiently assist dentists during treatments.
• Preventive Dentistry: Students learn about methods to promote oral health, such as patient education, fluoride treatments, and sealant applications. These topics highlight the importance of prevention in dental care.
• Applied Dental Materials: This course introduces students to the different materials used in dental procedures, such as cements, composites, and impression materials, along with their proper application and handling.
• Oral Anatomy: Students in this course learn about the structures of the mouth, teeth, and supporting tissues to understand how they function and how dental conditions may affect them.
• Oral Pathology: This course focuses on common oral diseases and abnormalities. It prepares students to recognize symptoms and assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

What jobs can I get with a dental assisting degree?

A dental assisting degree can open the door to several career opportunities in the dental field. However, some roles may require additional education, certifications, or licensure.

• Dental Assistant: Graduates can work directly with dentists. They perform chairside assistance, take x-rays, sterilize instruments, and support patients throughout their treatment.
• Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician and Medical Appliance Technician: With training, graduates can specialize in fabricating dental prosthetics, orthodontic devices, or medical appliances, contributing to patient care behind the scenes.
• Dental Hygienist: By pursuing further education and licensure, dental assistants can advance to this role. Degree options, such as an
• Dentist: A dental assisting degree can serve as a foundation for individuals who later want to pursue dental school and become licensed dentists. Dentists diagnose and treat oral health conditions.

For those exploring related allied health paths, it’s also helpful to consider what can you do with an associate's degree in medical assisting. Similar to dental assistants, medical assisting graduates have flexible career options in clinical, administrative, and patient-focused roles across healthcare settings, providing a broad perspective on the types of patient care and support careers available.

The chart below provides a visualization of the employment levels of occupations in the field of dentistry in the US in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

How much can I earn with a dental assisting degree?

In May 2024, dental assistants employed in the US had a median annual wage of $47,300. This figure is less than the $49,500 median annual wage of all occupations in the US in the same period (US BLS, 2025). Fortunately, the highest 10% of dental assistants in the US in terms of wage earned above $61,780 in May 2024.

For those pursuing an ASN degree, understanding potential earnings is important. The ASN degree salary can vary based on experience, specialization, and location, but registered nurses with an associate’s degree often see median wages significantly higher than entry-level dental assisting roles, highlighting the potential financial benefits of advancing education.

Notably, dental assistants can strive for career advancement. They may pursue further education and licensure to become dental hygienists or dentists, which earn significantly higher salaries than dental assistants. In May 2024, dental hygienists had a median annual wage of $94,260, while dentists had $179,210 (US BLS, 2025).

Which industries have a demand for professionals with a dental assisting degree?

The following industries employed the largest shares of the 376,500 dental assistants working in the US in 2023 (US BLS, 2025):

• Offices of Dentists: 90%
• Offices of Physicians: 2%
• Government: 2%

Notably, dental assistants who worked for the US government had the highest median annual wage among the three industries mentioned above, with $53,660 in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025). As of 2025, many dental-assistant job postings are available on USA Jobs, an official website of the US government. Several of the job openings are offered by the Veterans Health Administration.

Moreover, dental assistants who worked in offices of dentists had a median annual wage of $47,250 in the same period, while those employed in offices of physicians had $46,170 (US BLS, 2025).

The chart below provides a visualization of the US industries that employed the largest shares of dental assistants in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What skills learned in dental assisting degree programs are essential for my job search?

Dental assisting degree programs equip students with a combination of clinical, technical, and interpersonal skills that are highly valuable during job searches. Key skills include the following:

• Chairside Assistance: Students learn how to efficiently support dentists during procedures by preparing instruments, managing patient comfort, and ensuring that treatments run smoothly.
• Radiography: Training includes taking and processing dental x-rays. Students are also taught to understand radiation safety protocols, which are essential qualifications for many dental practices.
• Infection Control: Programs emphasize sterilization techniques, proper sanitation, and safety standards to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff.
• Communication Skills: Students develop the ability to explain procedures, provide patient education, and interact professionally with dental teams.
• Administrative Skills: Training often covers scheduling, recordkeeping, and insurance processing.

Individuals who aim to enter the workforce quicker may want to explore accelerated online dental assistant certificate programs. These programs provide basic education and training in dental assisting that may be sufficient for aspirants to venture into the field within a shorter time frame.

What is the job outlook for dental assisting degree holders?

From 2023 to 2033, employment for dental assistants in the US is expected to increase by 8%, which is faster than the job growth rate of all occupations across the country. The figure is equivalent to an average of around 54,900 job openings annually over the decade. Notably, in 2023, 376,500 dental-assisting jobs were recorded in the country by the US BLS. The number has been forecasted to increase to 408,000 by 2033 (US BLS, 2025). 

Employment for dental hygienists—a role that requires an associate degree and a license to practice—has been projected to grow by 9% during the same period. The figure translates to an average of about 16,400 job openings yearly over the decade (US BLS, 2025).

Moreover, aspiring dentists are seeing a job growth rate of 5% from 2023 to 2033, which is as fast as the average rate for all US occupations. The figure is equivalent to an average of around 4,900 job openings every year over the decade (US BLS, 2025).

Similar trends are reflected in medical assistant demand in the US. Employment for medical assistants across the country is expected to increase by 15% from 2023 to 2033. This is equivalent to an average of about 119,800 job openings annually over the decade (US BLS, 2025).

How can I advance in my career in dentistry?

Dental assistants have several opportunities to advance their careers within the field of dentistry by pursuing additional education, certifications, and specialized training.

• Certifications: Certifications validate specialized skills and can help increase job opportunities and earning potential. They can also enable dental assistants to take on expanded roles in dental practices through specializations, such as orthodontics, preventive functions, and restorative functions.
• Further Education and Training: Dental assistants can also pursue further education to become dental hygienists, which is a role that gives them greater responsibility, autonomy, and earning potential. Similarly, exploring cross-disciplinary programs can provide insights into broader emergency preparedness and safety management, which can complement clinical expertise. Professionals interested in careers with a bachelor's degree in emergency management can leverage this knowledge to contribute to healthcare facility preparedness, patient safety protocols, and disaster response planning within dental or medical settings.
• Advancement to Administrative Roles: Some dental assistants may advance into office management or administrative positions. They may oversee scheduling, billing, and patient-care coordination.

What certifications can I pursue with a dental assisting degree?

Some US states do not require dental assistants to earn licenses or certifications to be able to practice. However, certifications can demonstrate the knowledge and skills that aspiring dental assistants have developed throughout their education and training. Thus, these credentials can help professionals increase their salaries and improve their employability.

Moreover, earning a certification can expand the range of jobs with a certificate in dental assisting, allowing graduates to work in dental offices, specialty clinics, laboratories, and other patient-focused settings.

Dental assistants in the US may explore the following certifications:

• National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA): The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers several certifications, including the NELDA credential. The certification is for dental assistants that are at the beginning of their careers. Applicants must pass three examinations to succeed.
• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): Also offered by the DANB, the CDA credential is required of dental assistants by several US states. Applicants must pass three examinations, which they may take separately or in a variety of combinations.
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA): The COA credential is also a DANB certification and was designed for dental assistants working in an orthodontic practice. Applicants must pass two examinations, including in orthodontic assisting and in infection control.

What are the alternative career paths available to graduates of dental assisting degree programs?

Graduates of dental assisting degree programs can apply their clinical training and patient care experience to other healthcare roles. Some alternative career paths include the following:

• Medical Assistants: With additional training, graduates can transition into medical offices or clinics as medical assistants. These healthcare workers perform administrative tasks, record patient histories, and assist physicians during examinations. Career growth is often influenced by different factors, such as experience, certifications, and the registered medical assistant salary range.
• Surgical Assistants and Technologists: Dental-assisting skills in sterilization, instrument handling, and patient preparation can be applied in surgical environments. These professionals support surgeons during operations.
• Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides: Graduates may also pursue becoming occupational therapy assistants and aides. They help patients recover, develop, or improve daily living skills under the supervision of occupational therapists. Notably, these roles require additional certification or coursework.

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2024 median annual wages of alternative career paths available to graduates of dental assisting degree programs, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What alternative degrees can I take up instead of a dental assisting degree?

Individuals interested in a healthcare career may explore different specializations in the field. The following are alternative degrees that can similarly provide you with rewarding opportunities:

• Medical Assisting: This degree prepares students to work in physician offices and clinics. It combines administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling and billing with clinical tasks, including taking vital signs and assisting in examinations. Programs, such as shortest online medical assistant associate degree programs, offer a quicker path to enter the field.
• Dental Hygiene: Unlike dental assisting, this degree focuses more on preventive care, patient education, and direct clinical work. Responsibilities include cleanings and oral health assessments and may lead to salaries higher than those of dental assistants.
• Surgical Technology: Students in this program train to assist in operating rooms. They learn sterilization practices, instrument handling, and patient preparation.

Here’s What Professionals with a Dental Assisting Degree Say about Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know about Getting a Dental Assisting Degree

What is the hardest part of being a dental assistant?

The hardest part of being a dental assistant is managing the physical and emotional demands. They work long hours on their feet to support dentists and patients during stressful procedures. Their responsibilities require a balance between precision and speed in a fast-paced environment.

What is the fastest you can become a dental assistant?

The fastest way to become a dental assistant is through an accelerated certificate or diploma program. A dental assisting program can take 9 to 11 months to finish. Some US states also allow on-the-job training, which enables individuals to enter the workforce more quickly without formal schooling.

Where are dental assistants paid the most?

In terms of geographic location, the highest-paying US state for dental assistants in May 2024 is Minnesota, with a median annual wage of $64,630 (US BLS, 2025).

In terms of industry, the highest-paying sector for dental assistants in the US in May 2024 is the government, based on their $53,660 median annual wage. As of 2025, many dental-assistant job postings are available on USA Jobs, an official website of the US government. Several of the job openings are offered by the Veterans Health Administration.

Can a dental assistant do fillings?

Dental assistants cannot perform fillings. These procedures are restricted to licensed dentists. However, dental assistants can support the process by preparing instruments, assisting during the procedure, taking x-rays, and ensuring patient comfort. Their scope of responsibilities depend on state regulations and their level of certification.