SOC 31-9091
Dental Assistants
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ53/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ375,430
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$47K
$36K โ $62K
Projected Growth
๐+6.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค59/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Dental Assistants face a risk score of 53/100 โ 9 points above the national average of 44. With 59/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $47K ($990 above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 53/100, Dental Assistants faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like telehealth reducing in-person support staffing needs are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 375,430 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in compassionate hands-on patient care and comfort and responding to unpredictable patient emergencies to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Dental Assistants?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Telehealth reducing in-person support staffing needs
Administrative automation of health records management
AI-driven vital sign monitoring and alerting
Robotic assistance in patient mobility and care
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Compassionate hands-on patient care and comfort
Responding to unpredictable patient emergencies
Adapting to individual patient emotional needs
Building rapport with patients and families
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Electronic mail software
Medical software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Accounting software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Medicine and Dentistry
English Language
Administration and Management
Administrative
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides | 23 | $62K | 75% |
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 50% |
| Social Workers, All Other | 22 | $69K | 67% |