Dental Assistants
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 3,762 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 38% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Record treatment information in patient records.
AI could do much of this on its own
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
AI could do much of this on its own
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Very similar work+23% pay566 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 23% more—$60,660 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Inductive Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
Surgical Assistants
Very similar work+25% pay44 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 25% more—$61,754 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Biology
- Education and Training
- Reaction Time
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Finger Dexterity
Dental Hygienists
Similar work+121% pay1,004 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 121% more—$109,104 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Customer and Personal Service
New skills to build
- Problem Sensitivity
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Similar work+9% pay210 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 9% more—$53,660 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Design
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Visualization
- Finger Dexterity
Surgical Technologists
Similar work+66% pay437 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 66% more—$81,776 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Active Listening
New skills to build
- Equipment Maintenance
- Perceptual Speed
- Flexibility of Closure
Dentists, General
Similar work+281% pay351 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 281% more—$188,185 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree.
Getting ready typically takes more than four years.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Control Precision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Science
- Finger Dexterity
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Somewhat similar work+614% pay26 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 614% more—$352,307 vs your $49,334 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree, plus internship/residency.
Getting ready typically takes more than four years.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Biology
- Psychology
- Control Precision
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity