1 reviewed contribution is published; 5 are required for a benchmark.
View United States dataRole compensation guide
Dental assistant salary and compensation
Compare dental assistant salary and compensation by experience, region, schedule, practice setting, and benefits in the U.S. and Canada.
No reviewed contributions for this role have been published yet.
View Canada dataBenchmarks use reviewed, self-reported records. Countries are never pooled, and compensation is rounded before publication.
How dental assistant compensation works
Dental assistant wages are published in both hourly and annual terms. Duties and entry requirements vary by jurisdiction and workplace, so reliable comparisons should include paid hours, benefits, credentials, and the actual scope of the position.
Common pay models
An offer may state hourly pay, annual salary, or additional incentive compensation. If the job includes expanded functions, compare the compensation with the required education, registration, certification, or supervision rules in that jurisdiction. Also compare guaranteed hours, overtime expectations, and benefit eligibility.
What most affects compensation
Credentials and permitted duties
Each U.S. state defines dental-assisting levels and allowable duties differently. Requirements may apply to functions such as radiography, coronal polishing, sealants, fluoride, or anesthesia-related support.
Practice and specialty setting
General, pediatric, orthodontic, oral surgery, and multi-site settings can involve different responsibilities, pace, and pay.
Hours, overtime, and benefits
Guaranteed weekly hours, overtime eligibility, paid leave, health benefits, uniforms, and continuing education support may change the value of an offer.
Questions to ask when comparing offers
What makes two dental assistant jobs difficult to compare?
Job titles can cover different permitted duties, credentials, schedules, specialties, and administrative responsibilities. Compare scope and total rewards, not only the hourly rate.
Are the published records employer-specific?
No. DentComp does not request or publish employer or practice names, and compensation is rounded before a generalized record can appear publicly.
Sources and scope
Last fact-checked July 21, 2026. These sources support the occupational and compensation guidance above; DentComp’s live benchmarks come only from reviewed contributions and are not official government wage estimates.
- Dental AssistantsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — U.S. duties, work schedules, training, wage measures, and state variation.
- State Dental Assisting RequirementsDental Assisting National Board — State-specific assisting levels, allowable duties, and credential requirements.
- Dental Assistant in CanadaGovernment of Canada Job Bank — Canadian occupational, education, and wage context.
Rules, classifications, and employment standards can change. Verify current licensing requirements with the relevant regulator and review individual contract or overtime questions with a qualified local adviser.
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