Dental assistants
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
BLS SOC 31-9091 · O*NET-SOC 31-9091.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$48,070
Projected change, 2025–2035
7.4%
2025–2035 annual average openings
53,000
AI exposure
Low
Editorial analysis
AI may transform the dental screen more than the chairside assistant
Dentistry is adopting AI for imaging analysis, chart preparation, scheduling, documentation, treatment-plan support, and patient communication. Dental assistants may increasingly work with systems that automatically organize information before the dentist begins an examination.
Chairside work remains physical and immediate
Dental assistants prepare rooms, sterilize instruments, position equipment, assist during procedures, take impressions or images where permitted, manage infection control, and help patients who may be anxious. These activities depend on dexterity, awareness, and close coordination with the dentist.
- Administrative scheduling and reminders can become more automated.
- AI-assisted imaging may help dental teams identify areas requiring attention.
- Documentation and chart preparation may require less manual work.
- Sterilization, chairside assistance, patient preparation, and procedural support remain hands-on.
Dental assistants who become comfortable with digital imaging, scanners, CAD/CAM workflows, and other technology may benefit as dental practices become more digitally integrated.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 388,600 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 417,400 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 28,800 jobs (7.4%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Low. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Low
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Electronic mail software
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Accounting software
- Internet browser software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.