Dental Assistants

Dental assistants work in offices that are generally clean, modern, quiet, and pleasant. They are also well lighted and well ventilated. In small offices, dental assistants may work solely with dentists, while in larger offices and clinics they may work with dentists, other dental assistants, dental hygienists, and laboratory technicians. Although dental assistants may sit at desks to do office work, they spend a large part of the day beside the dentist's chair where they can reach instruments and materials.

About half of all dental assistants work 35- to 40-hour weeks, sometimes including Saturday hours. One in three dental assistants work part time, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some dental assistants work in several dental offices, creating their schedule around different offices' hours of operation.

Taking X-rays poses some risk because regular doses of radiation can be harmful to the body. However, all dental offices must have lead shielding and safety procedures that minimize the risk of exposure to radiation.

Many dental assistants enjoy their careers. In fact, 66 percent of dental assistants who were surveyed for the 2022 Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey from the Dental Assisting National Board said that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their careers. The survey also identified that the top job satisfaction factors for dental assistants (in descending order) were salary, work/life balance, and feeling like they are part of a team.