2013 North Carolina dental assisting salary survey
(National averages or percentages are in the parentheses to allow for comparison)
- Most common hourly rates: $20 ($18)
- % who earn $30 or more an hour: 4% (6%)
- % who last received a raise more than a year ago: 52% (56%)
- % who believe raises occur at fair intervals: 32% (41%)
- % who would recommend dental assisting as a profession: 70% (73%)
- % who envision continued employment as a dental assistant three years from now: 48% (71%)
Selected comments from North Carolina:
- I think our salary should be higher for all the duties we do, and all the dental materials that we know. We are the doctors’ right hand and are there every step of the way in their production. Our office seems to go by longevity for salary increases instead of being certified — although to be a CDA will get you in the door faster and is something I am very proud of.
- A productive assistant that can create revenue or free up the doc to do other procedures can eventually raise him or herself to a level in salary that can compete with the dental hygienist.
- I would like to see all dental assistants have to become certified, which would establish a more across the board salary.
- I've been extremely happy with the financial opportunity dental assisting has offered me.
- We also operate on a monthly bonus. We have a goal — anything above and beyond we get more dollars each month if we reach it. It’s a raise in itself. We also shortened our day by 30 minutes and no one’s pay or benefits were touched.
- Dental assistants’ salaries should be comparable or above hygiene salaries.
- I think we always have a long-lasting profession. We will always be valuable and have a career.
- Sadly, as with many professions, the employee does not take the job seriously. They treat it as just a job. The future is in the ability of the assistant to become their job and make it a profession or career, not just a job.
