2013 Illinois dental assisting salary survey
(National averages or percentages are in the parentheses to allow for comparison)
- Most common hourly rates: $15 ($18)
- % who earn $30 or more an hour: 4% (6%)
- % who last received a raise more than a year ago: 44% (56%)
- % who believe raises occur at fair intervals: 36% (41%)
- % who would recommend dental assisting as a profession: 54% (73%)
- % who envision continued employment as a dental assistant three years from now: 75% (71%)
Selected comments from Illinois:
- I know we don't "have our own production" but where would the doctor's production level be without us. We work just as hard if not harder than hygiene and should be a little closer in salary to them than we are.
- I think that the educated dental assistant brings more to the practice than an OTJ assistant and should be compensated appropriately.
- I feel assistants that go through programs go very unappreciated. They are the best for transitioning a new employee into a practice.
- Dental assisting used to make me feel like I had a career, not just a job. Now it's just a part-time gig, and my talents and experience mean nothing on a day-to-day basis.
- First, I have to say I love what I do, and the doctor I work with is great. I just wish dental assistants were paid more fairly. I personally do more than assist. I do it because I love doing whatever needs to be done. Making appointments, checking in labs, keeping patients comfortable, etc.
- Mandatory national certification needed in all states for public safety, occupational safety, and practice professionalism and liability
