2013 Maryland dental assisting salary survey
(National averages or percentages are in the parentheses to allow for comparison)
- Most common hourly rates: $16, $22 ($18)
- % who earn $30 or more an hour: 5% (6%)
- % who last received a raise more than a year ago: 85% (56%)
- % who believe raises occur at fair intervals: 38% (41%)
- % who would recommend dental assisting as a profession: 62% (73%)
- % who envision continued employment as a dental assistant three years from now: 60% (71%)
Selected comments from Maryland:
- It is time to create a mid-level assistant position for assistants that design CEREC, educate patients, take Invisalign impressions, put together treatment plans, use high tech equipment, etc. Just as nurses have evolved, so should dental assistants. This would not affect hygienists because they are focusing on gum health; assistants are helping the doctors complete treatment plans.
- The doctors’ fees go up. I think staff wages also need to rise. Staff needs to pay bills also.
- We need to have more local organizations of support for each other.
- It would be great for the state of Maryland to recognize more opportunities for CDAs such as composite procedures.
- I've been a certified dental assistant for 40 years. I've seen many big changes in this field. I love my profession. I love to make my patients smile. I love the interaction and the dental education I pass on to them. I just wish dentists understood the importance of their DAs and paid them more. They cannot do what they do without our help.
- Dental assistants can be very productive for dentists doing such things as case presentations and so forth. From the time I became an assistant 18 years ago, everyone has asked why don't you become a hygienist or dentist? I ask why can't I be a highly educated dental assistant with a mid-level pay? $45,000 to $65,000 with the proper training and education? It is time to create a new position in the dental field.
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