How to become a Dental Assistant in DC
It is a great time to pursue a career as a dental assistant in Washington DC given the strong jobs growth in the sector. The Bureau for Labor Statistics has predicted that the number of dental assisting jobs in the USA will grow by a massive 19% between 2016 and 2026.
In order to become a dental assistant in the USA most states will require you to graduate from an accredited program and to pass additional state level or national certification exams. Find out more about becoming a Dental Assistant in Washington DC below.
Top Dental Assistant Schools in DC
Listed above are some of the top CODA accredited programs in Washington DC. For more entry level and post secondary Dental Assisting options you can also view all DANB accredited programs.
Click on the ‘Request Information’ link for each school and enter your details to receive information on their dentistry programs and admissions data.
You can also view results for schools offering Dental Assisting programs in Washington DC and surrounding states on the map below.
DC Dental Assistant License Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Washington DC law that you obtain a license to work as a dental assistant there. The DC Board of Dentistry governs the licensing of dental assistants in Washington DC. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Phone: (877) 672-2174
Website: http://doh.dc.gov/node/146102
Dental Assistant Salary in DC
| State | Washington |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $42,540 |
| Hourly Wage | $20.45 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $58,100 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $30,140 |
| #'s Employed | 10,580 |
The average Dental Assistant salary in Washington DC is $49,210 – 30.8% above the national average.
This represents an hourly wage of $23.66.
There are currently 640 persons employed as dental assistants in the state.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental assistants across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Washington DC;
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $46,810 | $22.51 | 6,510 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $46,610 | $22.41 | 4,940 |
*Updated May 2018 to allow for the most recent BLS data released in March 2018.
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in DC
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment for dental assistants with related healthcare careers in Washington DC;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistants | 520 | $41,600 |
| Dental Hygienists | 440 | $98,530 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 150 | $88,230 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 790 | $34,480 |
| Surgical Technologists | 290 | $54,700 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 60 | $33,490 |
| Nursing Assistants | 3,320 | $32,680 |
| Medical Assistants | 1,490 | $39,780 |
| Phlebotomists | 180 | $40,380 |