By: BLS.gov

Job Description
Dental assistants with under the supervision of dentists performing a variety of tasks including sterilizing equipment, managing dental records, and instructing patients on oral health. They may also take x-rays, remove sutures, and make casts of teeth.

Median Salary
$24,180

Education Requirements
There are currently 269 dental-assisting training programs. Most programs take one year or less to complete, and result in a diploma or certificate. Two-year programs at a community college lead to an associate degree. Many employers also offer on-the-job training which is typically required to complete a dental-assisting program. Some states require dental assistants to be licensed or registered, which may include a written or practical exam.

Job Outlook
Employment is expected to grow 29% through 2016. Dental assistants are predicted to be among the fastest-growing occupations over the 2006-2016 period. Population grown and an increased focus on preventative dental care for kids will lead to high demand for those in the dental health field. New, young dentists are also more likely to hire dental assistants than their older, retiring counterparts.