Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Dental Assistant

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$40,770

education graphic

EDUCATION

1-2 years post-secondary training

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

Military Options

Get paid to get a career. That's what the military can offer you. Take a moment to review related potential military careers.

Dental Hygienists and Assistants (Enlisted)

Opportunities

Dental hygienists and assistants have many responsibilities, including teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health and perform other miscellaneous tasks, such as equipment maintenance and supplies inventory.


Training Provided

Job training for dental hygienists and assistants consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in providing dental care.

  • Basic principles and techniques of patient care
  • Preventive dentistry
  • Radiology (X-ray) techniques
  • Dental office procedures
  • Dental hygiene procedures
  • Anatomy and physiology

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.


Earnings

Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive basic pay, which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2023, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($23,011/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($30,042/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.


Services offering this occupation

Air Force


Army


Coast Guard


Navy


Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.