Launch your dental career with free online training. Pennsylvania dental assistants earn $44,580+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$44,580/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
7,800+
Population 65+
18.9
Training Cost
FREE
Keystone State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 7,800+ dental practices and a population where 18.9 are over 65.
Pennsylvania dental assistants earn $44,580 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $48,000 - $55,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Pennsylvania.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Pennsylvania requires dental assistants to have an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) certificate from the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry to perform expanded functions. Basic dental assistants can work under direct supervision without registration. EFDA certification requires approved training and examination.
Pennsylvania requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course (minimum 7 hours) and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or PA state exam. Radiography certification is separate from EFDA certification and must be renewed.
Largest market, multiple dental schools
Pitt dental school, major market
State capital, Central PA hub
Growing Eastern PA market
Northeast PA region
Pennsylvania offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 300+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 240 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Elite Ivy League dental school, America's first dental school (1878).
View Careers →Employees: 250+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 3223 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Major Philadelphia dental school serving diverse North Philadelphia.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 3501 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Pittsburgh's dental school with strong research programs.
View Careers →Employees: 1,200+
Facilities: 60+ locations
Location: Multiple PA locations
National DSO with extensive Pennsylvania presence.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Pittsburgh area
Major Pittsburgh health system with dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Philadelphia area
Philadelphia health system with integrated dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 5 locations
Location: York/South Central PA
Community health center serving South Central Pennsylvania.
View Careers →Employees: 11,500+
Facilities: 6,500+ practices
Location: Statewide
Massive private practice market from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
View Careers →Michelle T.
Philadelphia • Penn Dental
"Working at America's first dental school is incredible. Historic institution with cutting-edge care!"
2024-11
David K.
Pittsburgh • Pitt Dental
"Pittsburgh's dental school offers great experience. Lower cost of living than Philly!"
2024-10
Jennifer R.
Harrisburg • Private Practice
"Central PA practice serves state employees and families. Great community feel!"
2024-09
Pennsylvania dental assistants earn an average of $44,580 annually ($21.43/hour). Entry-level positions start at $36,000-$41,000, while experienced DAs earn $48,000-$55,000. Philadelphia metro pays highest at $43,000-$51,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Basic dental assistants in Pennsylvania can work under direct dentist supervision without registration. However, EFDA certification from the State Board is required to perform expanded functions. Radiography certification is required for X-ray duties.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Pennsylvania radiography certification requires 7-hour approved course plus DANB RHS exam. EFDA certification requires additional training. Most students are job-ready in 2-3 months for basic DA roles.
Strong outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Pennsylvania's 13 million population, 7,800+ dental practices, and three dental schools create substantial demand. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros offer diverse employment opportunities.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for radiography certification and any optional EFDA certification when ready. Many Pennsylvania employers reimburse certification costs.
Philadelphia metro leads with $43,000-$51,000 near Penn and Temple dental schools. Pittsburgh offers $42,000-$50,000 near Pitt dental school. Lehigh Valley provides $42,000-$49,000 in growing Eastern PA market.
Pennsylvania offers: (1) Three dental schools (Penn, Temple, Pitt) creating academic employment, (2) Penn is America's first dental school (1878), (3) Two major metros with distinct markets, (4) EFDA credential pathway for career advancement, (5) Moderate cost of living.
Pennsylvania's Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification allows dental assistants to perform advanced procedures including placing restorative materials and other expanded functions. EFDA requires Board-approved training and examination, creating career advancement and higher earning potential.
Join thousands of Pennsylvania residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredPennsylvania's dental workforce serves approximately 13 million residents through an estimated 7,800+ dental practices. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros dominate dental employment, with significant markets in Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, and regional centers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Pennsylvania employed approximately 20,800 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $44,580—near the national median with Pennsylvania's moderate cost of living providing competitive purchasing power.
Pennsylvania hosts three dental schools—University of Pennsylvania (America's first, 1878), Temple University, and University of Pittsburgh. This concentration creates extensive academic employment opportunities and shapes dental workforce development across the state.
Pennsylvania's two-tier system allows basic dental assistants to work under direct supervision without registration, while EFDA certification enables expanded functions. This flexibility provides entry points for new dental assistants with clear advancement pathways.
Major health systems—UPMC in Pittsburgh and Jefferson Health in Philadelphia—operate dental services throughout their networks. These organizations provide structured employment with benefits and career advancement within integrated healthcare systems.
Pennsylvania's geographic diversity—from Philadelphia's urban diversity to Pittsburgh's revitalized economy to rural Appalachian communities—creates varied practice opportunities matching different lifestyle preferences and professional interests.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.