How Much Does a General Dental Assistant make?

General Dental Assistant made a median salary around $44,696 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $49,130 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $40,056. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out General Dental Assistant jobs in Idaho

Dental Assistant

Castlebury Dental - Eagle, ID

Dental Lab Technician

Aspen Dental - Idaho Falls, ID

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Marimn Health - Plummer, ID

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Best-Paying Cities for General Dental Assistant

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the General Dental Assistant profession are Lewiston , Cottonwood , Fenn , Grangeville , Post Falls .
Lewiston, ID $49,678
Cottonwood, ID $49,678
Fenn, ID $49,439
Grangeville, ID $49,439
Post Falls, ID $48,577

Best-Paying States for General Dental Assistant

The states and districts that pay General Dental Assistant the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $53,319) , California (around $52,840) , New Jersey (around $52,505) , Alaska (around $52,170) , and Massachusetts (around $52,122) .
District of Columbia $53,319
California $52,840
New Jersey $52,505
Alaska $52,170
Massachusetts $52,122

What is the Career Path of General Dental Assistant?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Dental Hygienist.
Besides, General Dental Assistant can also turn to other related jobs, including Dental Assistant , Dental Hygienist , Dental Assistant or and Dental Assistant (Certified) .

Frequently Asked Questions for General Dental Assistant

Q: What is the salary range of General Dental Assistant in Idaho?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid General Dental Assistant in Idaho earned an average annual salary of $40,056 , while the highest-paid made $49,130.
Q: What is the salary for a General Dental Assistant in California?
A: General Dental Assistant employed in California earned an average salary of $52,840 in 2024.

Average General Dental Assistant Pay vs. Other Jobs

General Dental Assistant earned an average salary of $44,696 in 2024. Other jobs related to General Dental Assistant earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Dental Assistant made $44,370 , Dental Hygienist made $78,575 , Dental Assistant or and Dental Assistant (Certified) made $44,696 and $44,400 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of General Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant - Average Salary $44,370
Dental Assistant assists with dental surgical and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Prepares patient and arranges instruments and supplies used for procedures. Being a Dental Assistant hands instruments to the dentist and helps during treatment. Ensures all instruments are sterile and follows infection control protocols. Additionally, Dental Assistant records treatment notes and updates patient records. May take and process x-rays. May require an associate degree in dental assisting or equivalent. Has Basic Life Support (BLS) and depending on state, may have licensing requirement. Typically reports to a dentist. The Dental Assistant works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Dental Assistant typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Dental Hygienist - Average Salary $78,575
Dental Hygienist under the direct supervision of a dentist, cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. Performs routine examination and assessment of dental health. Being a Dental Hygienist feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer. Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Additionally, Dental Hygienist provides instruction, guidance, and coaching to patients about methods to improve dental health. May take Radiographs or x-rays. Typically requires an associate degree in dental hygiene. Meets licensing requirements as a dental hygienist for the state. Radiography/x-ray certification per state guidelines. Basic Life Support certification (BLS.) Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Dental Hygienist independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. To be a Dental Hygienist typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
Dental Assistant or - Average Salary $44,696
There is currently no job description for Dental Assistant or, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Dental Assistant or.
Dental Assistant (Certified) - Average Salary $44,400
The Dental Assistant (Certified) prepares and arranges needed tools and instruments for scheduled procedures. Assists with oral surgery and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Being a Dental Assistant (Certified) may record findings, change barriers, or sterilize equipment. Hands necessary tools and equipment to the dentist and provides assistance during treatment. In addition, Dental Assistant (Certified) requires an associate's degree from an accredited program. Typically reports to a dentist. Working as a Dental Assistant (Certified) typically requires 1-3 years of related experience. May be entry level if some experience in the skill. Gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision.
Radiology Dental Assistant - Average Salary $42,771
There is currently no job description for Radiology Dental Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Radiology Dental Assistant.