Dental assistant salary

After having studied the different aspects of this profession through our fiche métier assistant dentaire, let's now turn our attention to the subject of rationing. In this article, we'll look at the criteria that impact dental assistants' income, such as experience, training and practice area.

Factors influencing the salary of a dental assistant

When applying for a dental-assistant job offer, it's worth knowing the factors influencing the dental-assistant's : 

• Experience and learning : as in most professions, a dental assistant's salary increases as he or she accumulates knowledge and experience, becoming more efficient and improving the quality of care provided. In the same way as for experience, his rise in skills is generally accompanied by an increase in income, as his new qualities enable him to stand out from the rest.
• Location : this is another important factor in his salary. In some regions and in big cities, the cost of living is higher, which has an impact on income. The situation is reversed in rural areas. In addition, these trends can be challenged by the demand for dental assistant jobs. Structures with more applications than positions to fill may offer less attractive rations.
• The type of dental practice : Dental assistants working in specialized clinics, such as orthodontic, oral surgery or periodontic practices, can earn higher salaries than those working in general dentistry practices. Specialized practices often require specific skills and knowledge that are valued.

How much does a dental assistant earn?

In France, the average salary of a dental assistant varies according to several factors detailed above. According to recent data, the average salary for a dental assistant is between 1,800 and 2,700 euros gross per month for a full-time position.

Improve your salary as a dental assistant

There are many ways for dental assistants to improve their salary throughout their career:

• Continuing education : in order to increase their income, dental assistants can invest in continuing education. Additional certifications in radiology, orthodontics or pain management can increase their value on the job market and enable them to earn higher salaries.
• Transfer :  by changing employer and moving to a more attractive region, dental assistants are likely to earn better incomes. Larger cities and urban areas generally offer higher salaries than rural areas. In addition, some dental practices may offer benefits to attract qualified talent.
• Salary negotiation : in addition to the basic salary, it is possible to negotiate benefits such as bonuses, additional paid leave, employer-paid training or flexible working hours. Good preparation, an overall understanding of the market and their personal value can help dental assistants secure more advantageous working conditions.

In conclusion, the salary of dental assistants depends on multiple factors such as experience, training, geographic location and type of practice. By investing in continuing education and adopting effective negotiation strategies, dental assistants are likely to improve their salary prospects and working conditions.

Did you like this article and want to learn more about this profession? Check out our dental assistant fact sheet!