Employment opportunities are available in private dental practices (general or specialty), hospitals, educational institutions, businesses, and federal, state and community clinics. Entry-level salary is around $9-10 an hour.

According to a survey conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), 86 percent of Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) reported receiving paid vacation from their employers, and more than half of CDAs received health benefits.

Employment is expected to grow 36% through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.