Certification offers a solution to dental assistant workforce challenges, new data shows
New research from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) uncovers dental assistant workforce challenges and points to practical solutions. The findings from DANB’s Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey can guide dentists and employers in implementing best practices to attract and retain qualified dental assistants.
New insights on workforce challenges
Hiring in the dental assistant workforce has been a concern over the last several years. According to recent reports, nearly half (38%) of dentists tried to recruit a dental assistant in the last three months, and 68% said it was very or extremely challenging.1
DANB’s research provides additional context indicating why these challenges persist, including:
- Declining job satisfaction – Over the last 10 years, dental assistant job satisfaction has declined significantly. Today, only about half the dental assistants are satisfied with their jobs, and 1 in 3 aren’t sure how long they will stay in the profession.
- Lack of appreciation – Fewer than half (43%) of all dental assistants feel valued by their employer, which is down from 72% in 2020.
- Insufficient pay – Over the years, pay has not kept up with the cost of living in many areas. In the last year, the typical dental assistant’s raise was 1-3%, yet inflation often exceeded 4%.
Education and certification as solutions
Dentists and employers looking to hire and retain high-performing dental assistants can incorporate education and certification as the cornerstone of their approach. These strategies build on each other, ultimately leading to a stronger practice and team.
- Invest in education and training – Practices that invest in their dental assistants by supporting continuing education and ongoing training benefit from a loyal, productive team.
- Create a career ladder with certification – Provide opportunities for dental assistants to earn certifications and state credentials that allow them to perform additional duties.
- Increase responsibilities and pay – Practices that encourage dental assistants to work to the top of their scope of practice — and pay them accordingly — benefit from greater productivity and efficiency. Additionally, increasing dental assistant pay can improve retention and offset the costs of turnover, resulting in increased productivity and higher revenues.2
- Provide recognition – Recognition can take many forms, such as career support, affirmative words, and fair compensation. Demonstrating appreciation in a variety of ways creates a positive environment where dental assistants want to work.
Build the workforce dentistry needs by supporting the careers dental assistants want.
Certification supports the practice
The research also illustrates how Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) bring value to dentists and dental practices through:
- Loyalty – CDAs are more likely to stay with the same employer and less likely to change jobs.
- Leadership – CDAs are more likely to be a lead dental assistant and more likely to train and supervise other dental assistants.
- Confidence – CDAs report higher confidence, which corresponds with feeling more capable of handling tasks and patients throughout the day.
About DANB and the survey
DANB is recognized by the American Dental Association as the national certifying board for dental assistants. DANB exams and certifications are recognized or required by 39 states and the District of Columbia. For more than 20 years, DANB has conducted research on dental assistant compensation, benefits, and workplace satisfaction. DANB’s Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey is the most comprehensive, cross-sectional study of its kind. The findings in the 2026 report are based on a 3% total response rate from survey invitations sent to more than 50,000 dental assistants in April 2026.
1. The State of the U.S. Dental Economy, Q2 2026 Update. ADA Health Policy Institute.
2. Financial Impact of Dental Assistants on the Dental Practice, May 2024. Dental Assisting National Board.