5 keys to asking for a raise as a dental assistant
Many dental assistants want to ask for a raise and earn more money, but this can be a difficult conversation to have with your employer. Before you bring up the subject, it's important to be prepared. Doing your research and knowing the steps to follow will help you feel as confident as possible entering the discussion — and increase your chances of receiving a raise!
Below are some pointers that can help you have a positive, successful conversation with your dentist.
1. Know your state requirements
Look up the dental assisting requirements in your state so you can learn about the available job titles, what duties you are (or are not) allowed to perform, and what qualifications you need. If you meet the qualifications to perform more duties in your office — or you're already going above and beyond to maximize your productivity — this can make you more valuable to the practice. Bring this information to the table when you discuss a raise with your employer, as it can demonstrate everything you do to contribute to the practice's success.
2. Earn credentials
To perform more duties in your office and maximize your value (and earning potential), consider pursuing the credentials recognized or required in your state. If your state allows dental assistants to perform expanded functions, you can boost your career outlook by earning this designation. Note that some states use the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant or Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) title, for example, while other states might have an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) or RDA in Expanded Functions (RDAEF) designation. Aiming to hold the highest title available in your state can help increase your pay accordingly.
Most states recognize or require DANB exams and certification as one of the steps to earning a state credential. DANB's Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey shows that those who hold DANB certification earn 15% more than dental assistants who do not. The survey also found that 82% of Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) earned a raise within the last two years, compared to 71% of non-certified assistants.
3. Demonstrate your value
If you want to ask for a raise, you need to show your employer why you deserve one. A good place to start is by taking notes on all the ways you help the practice run smoothly and how the duties you perform impact patient care and practice profitability. Keep this list updated and add to it as your responsibilities grow. Refer to the state requirements to make sure you're capturing the full list of duties you perform. You can also show initiative by stating you want to earn expanded function credentials and showing how this would further your value in the practice (e.g., allowing the doctor to focus on other tasks, increasing patient volume, etc.).
4. Do your salary research
DANB's salary survey includes useful information about how much dental assistants who hold CDA certification earn based on their credentials, experience, and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also publishes dental assistant salary information for all dental assistants; this is a good resource if you do not hold CDA certification. Also, talk to fellow dental assistants in your area to see what they're earning based on their title and experience. You can use this data to prepare a raise request that you think is fair.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask
Often, just starting a dialogue with your employer can get the ball rolling on your raise request. Even if you're not sure they'll give you a pay increase, prepare your case for why you believe you deserve one and bring this information to your employer. Chances are good that your request will at least be considered!