Dental Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities: Prepare patient, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures.

Salary: $23,550 - $47,580

Education: Dental assisting programs are typically 1-year diploma or certificate programs. These programs tend to focus solely on technical training through classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. Courses may include dental materials, radiology, chairside assisting, dental office administration and biodental science. Some community colleges and vocational schools also offer 2-year associate's degree programs, which combine general education, technical training and more extensive clinical practicums.