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Dental Assistants in Puerto Rico
Want to work as a Dental Assistants in Puerto Rico? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Dental Assistants Make in Puerto Rico?
For dental assistants working in Puerto Rico, the median annual wage is $23,690 per year (or about $11.39/hour).Pay can range from $20,760 at the 10th percentile to $27,750 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $20,760 | $9.98 |
| 25th percentile | $21,900 | $10.53 |
| Median (50th) | $23,690 | $11.39 |
| 75th percentile | $26,790 | $12.88 |
| 90th percentile | $27,750 | $13.34 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Puerto Rico compared to the national average — is 1.08.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, dental assistants earn a median of $25,445 per year ($12.23/hour), below the Puerto Rico median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 535,056 dental assistants nationwide. In Puerto Rico alone, about 2,480 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 4,450 dental assistants.
Top Puerto Rico Metros for Dental Assistants
These are the Puerto Rico metros with the most dental assistants in Puerto Rico.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR | 1,640 | $26,270 |
| Ponce, PR | 240 | $22,620 |
| Mayaguez, PR | 190 | $21,990 |
| Aguadilla, PR | 150 | $21,910 |
| Arecibo, PR | 130 | $22,480 |
| Guayama, PR | 60 | $22,720 |
Top States for Dental Assistants Employment
These states have the highest employment of dental assistants work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 54,580 |
| Texas | 31,360 |
| Florida | 23,020 |
| New York | 19,700 |
| Illinois | 15,620 |
| Washington | 13,330 |
| Pennsylvania | 12,410 |
| Michigan | 11,830 |
| Ohio | 11,130 |
| North Carolina | 11,100 |
| Virginia | 11,040 |
| New Jersey | 10,660 |
| Georgia | 9,730 |
| Massachusetts | 9,250 |
| Colorado | 7,720 |
| Arizona | 7,480 |
| Missouri | 7,380 |
| Wisconsin | 6,720 |
| Maryland | 6,520 |
| Tennessee | 6,370 |
Highest-Paying States for Dental Assistants
These states pay the most for dental assistants.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $64,630 |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 |
| Oregon | $57,720 |
| Washington | $57,040 |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 |
| Alaska | $55,950 |
| Maine | $51,340 |
| North Dakota | $51,310 |
| Vermont | $51,020 |
| Connecticut | $50,820 |
Skills
The most important dental assistants skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for dental assistants, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, dental assistants typically:
- 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.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Working with Computers
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Henry Schein Dentrix In-demand technologies: Henry Schein Dentrix
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Other careers like dental assistants include:
- Chiropractors
- Dentists, General
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Prosthodontists
- Cardiologists
Also Known As
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Certified Registered Dental Assistant, Dental Aide, Dental Assistant (DA), Dental Nurse, Dental Office Assistant, Dental Specialist, Dentist Attendant, Expanded Dental Assistant, Expanded Duties Dental Assistant, Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA), Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), General Practical Dental Assistant, Oral Surgery Assistant.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 31-9091.00
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