2013 South U.S. dental assisting salary survey
(Statistics are for Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina)
(National averages or percentages are in the parentheses to allow for comparison)
- Most common hourly rates: $14, $16, $20 ($18)
- % who earn $30 or more an hour: 0% (6%)
- % who last received a raise more than a year ago: 42% (56%)
- % who believe raises occur at fair intervals: 42% (41%)
- % who would recommend dental assisting as a profession: 78% (73%)
- % who envision continued employment as a dental assistant three years from now: 73% (71%)
Selected comments from South U.S.:
Arkansas:
- I think that if Arkansas required CDA the salary base would raise.
- Unfortunately, with more new dentists deciding against private practice and going into commercialized group practices, I’m afraid assistants will have less pride and move away from the profession.
Georgia:
- I work in a fee-for-service office, which enables me to make my hourly wage and receive many other benefits.
- The future outlook looks dismal. So many dental assistants lack a college degree (such as business adminstration) or strong technical skills to justify their salary demands.
- I think assistants should be licensed and able to perform more duties in Georgia
Louisiana:
- We are paid hourly, plus bonuses if production is above a certain amount. But this past year business has slowed, and we haven't received any bonuses at all this year.
- You definitely make more if you have your letters behind your name.
Mississippi:
- As a dental assisting instructor, I see my students receiving improved opportunities and salaries and being appreciated more for the most part. I am happy about the future outlook of our profession!
South Carolina:
- It is my experience that assistants work a lot harder and longer than hygienists, but hygienists get all the glory. Fortunately where I now work, the hygienists are team players and will do more than just clean teeth.
- One of the biggest reasons for turnover in dental assistant positions is a dentist that screams or talks hatefully. It all stems from them not handling pressure. But it appears that a high turnover isn't alarming to them.
