How Much Do Dental Assistants Make in Vermont?
Vermont is a small state with no major urban areas and a relatively small population. Despite having a small number of residents, many of those that call Vermont home are growing older and are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good healthcare and dental habits. Opportunities for dental assistants and other trained healthcare professionals can be found throughout the state of Vermont.
Because of the small population of the state, there are approximately 60 annual job openings for dental assistants in Vermont. Long-term occupational projections between 2016 and 2026 anticipate a growth rate of approximately 1.9 percent.
To join the Vermont workforce as a dental assistant, you should be able to complete a formal training program, obtain certification and meet the state’s minimum age requirement.
The Vermont Board of Dental Examiners requires that dental assistants graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved course before they can work in the state. The CODA is a division of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Once qualified as a Vermont Traditional Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), you can expect to work in a dental office and have direct contact with patients.
Dental assistants possess specialized knowledge about oral health care, including the different types of equipment used to examine teeth, take x-rays and perform preventative services.
They help dentists by preparing areas for treatment, sterilizing instruments and taking impressions. They also educate patients about their oral health and provide post-operative care instructions.
Average annual salary rates for dental assistants in Vermont are generally higher than the average salary paid to people working in this field across the United States.
| AreaName | Base Year | Employed | Projection Year | Projected Employment | Change | % Change | Projected Average Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2018 | 346,000 | 2026 | 384,700 | 38,700 | 19.5% | 44,800 |
| Vermont | 2016 | 520 | 2026 | 530 | 10 | 1.9% | 60 |
| State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 351,470 | $19.79 | $41,170 | $27,980 | $33,440 | $40,080 | $48,550 | $56,930 |
| Vermont | 370 | $20.79 | $43,230 | $29,510 | $36,000 | $44,210 | $49,910 | $56,470 |
There are no large cities in the state of Vermont, but even in small cities and towns, trained dental assistants can find career opportunities. The areas with the most jobs and highest pay are the Burlington and South Burlington areas.
| Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | ** | $22.23 | $46,240 | $32,430 | $41,510 | $47,130 | $52,750 | $59,850 |
Healthcare careers are typically rewarding and well paid. Dental assistants are among the best compensated employees in this field, usually earning more than pharmacy technicians, medical assistants and nursing assistants. Those that work as physical therapist assistants tend to earn more than dental assistants.
| Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technicians | 740 | $17.22 | $35,810 | $25,460 | $30,000 | $34,800 | $39,160 | $47,850 |
| Nursing Assistants | 2940 | $15.24 | $31,710 | $25,810 | $27,770 | $30,760 | $35,490 | $39,610 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 150 | $28.01 | $58,260 | $45,930 | $52,030 | $58,380 | $64,420 | $71,560 |
| Dental Assistants | 370 | $20.79 | $43,230 | $29,510 | $36,000 | $44,210 | $49,910 | $56,470 |
| Medical Assistants | 1110 | $17.36 | $36,100 | $27,750 | $31,590 | $35,820 | $39,740 | $45,920 |