An ironic or perhaps a funny fact about money is that it can never be enough. Throughout our lives, we will all be working, putting in the effort, and as well saying, “…for a better tomorrow”. Despite dental assistant being a great job, there is a downside to it. Most dental assistants are not paid well and that is why it is crucial to find ways how to make more money as a dental assistant. Yes, the paycheck would come through at the end of the month, but having an extra source of income would help you achieve more. As we age, our needs, desires, and expenses increase and if you are not careful, you will be shocked when your salary is unable to take care of the bills and expenses as it used a few years ago.
How to Make More Money as a Dental Assistant
As a dental assistant, there are multiple ways you can make more money, some of which result in to increase in your take-home salary.
1. Education and Certification
Ever heard of the phrase, “Learn then Earn”?
The best way how to make more money as a dental assistant is by learning. Obtaining certifications not only bolsters your professional profile but also instills confidence in employers regarding your competence. Foundational certifications like the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) both validate your skills and open doors to a myriad of career pathways.
Higher education and specialization can significantly augment earning potential. Over the years, research has shown that dental assistants who have invested in expanding their skills repertoire, by pursuing advanced courses in specialties like orthodontics or pediatric dentistry, position themselves as invaluable assets to dental practices. The enhanced proficiency/expertise in specific areas resulting from education translates into increased responsibility and subsequently, higher remuneration.
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2. Networking and Professional Development
Remember the saying “Your network is your worth”? Apparently, it is very relevant to the subject of making more money as a dental assistant.
Networking is a cornerstone for career success in any field, and dental assisting is no exception. By establishing a robust professional network, you open doors to new opportunities and build a support system for career growth. To be able to gain from this, you will have to attend local dental events, join professional associations, and connect with colleagues on platforms like LinkedIn. This way you will be expanding your network and net worth at the same time.
The dental field is not left behind in regard to regular advancement and innovations taking place in various sectors. You will have to stay updated on the industry trends for the sake of your career relevance and growth. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars as they provide invaluable opportunities to learn about the latest technologies, techniques, and best practices in dental assisting.
The connection you create in events contributes to the development of a strong professional network. When you actively participate in discussion, ask relevant questions, and share experiences, you will be establishing yourself as a proactive contributor to the industry. Also, you never know, you might find a better-paying potential employer in these events/conferences, connect with them, and get a better-paying job.
3. Negotiating Salary and Benefits
In the employment world, knowing your worth is very important. If you are looking for a way how to make more money as a dental assistant, assess your worth and negotiate salary and benefits.
To ensure that your skills and contributions are appropriately valued, you will have to adopt a strategic approach in your salary negotiation. Prior to commencing the process, research the average salary for dental assistants in your region. The aim here is to have a baseline for your expectations and also strengthen your negotiating position.
Make sure that you have clearly articulated your accomplishments and specialized skills that contribute to the dental practice. This is something that would position you as an asset, justifying a higher compensation.
On matters related to negotiations on a pay rise, timing is key. Choose the right time, such as during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities. This makes sure that your request is well contextualized within your contributions.
Also, do not forget to be flexible. While having a desired salary in mind is important, be open to negotiation and compromise. Consider the overall compensation package, including the benefits and perks, as part of the equation.
4. Freelance and Part-Time Opportunities
Freelancing and part-time opportunities can open doors to both professional growth and increased financial prospects.
When you embrace the gig economy as a dental assistant, you will be in a position to take more control over your schedule and income streams. Freelancing would allow you to take on diverse projects, from assisting at different dental practices to providing specialized services on demand. This is a flexibility that enhances your skill set and empowers you to negotiate rates and choose projects that best align with your expertise and interests. Hence you can explore teaching or consulting. Sharing your expertise by teaching at dental assisting schools or consulting with other practices would be a great avenue for increasing your income.
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Taking contract-based services is also another way to make more money. Here, you will be offering services on a contractual basis, you cater to specific dental needs or collaborate with dental professionals on short-term projects.
5. Explore Different Work Settings
Different organization compensates their employees differently. These variations are normal, not against the law as long as the basic requirements are met.
Consider private practices as they provide a sense of autonomy and an opportunity to build close relationships with patients. While compensations may vary, private practices frequently offer competitive salaries and the potential for performance-based bonuses. Remember this only applies to larger institutions since smaller practices have limited resources.
Specialize in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery as they can open doors to higher income possibilities. Dental assistants working in specialty clinics often benefit from specialized training and, in turn, receive higher compensation.
You can even consider moonlighting or taking on extra shifts outside the regular working hours. Despite this option allowing for flexibility and an additional income stream, it is important to balance the demands of moonlighting with maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.
Another option which you have is dental temping. These are temporary dental assistant positions that have the potential to provide a unique avenue for increasing income. As a dental temp, you will have the flexibility to work in various practices on a temporary basis. This allows you to experience different office dynamics, expand your skill set, and negotiate competitive hourly rates.
The Complete Guide to Dental Temping for Beginners
Final Remarks
As you look for ways how to make more money as a dental assistant, consider the above-mentioned options. Making more money in this profession is challenging especially if you have a full-time job. The opportunities for making more money lie within and externally. Within, you will have to earn certifications, learn new skills, negotiate a raise, and take continuing education. Externally, you can consider specializing, temping, teaching consulting, and freelancing.
