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Clerical dentist assistant vs dental nurse

The differences between clerical dentist assistants and dental nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clerical dentist assistant and a dental nurse. Additionally, a clerical dentist assistant has an average salary of $82,890, which is higher than the $81,113 average annual salary of a dental nurse.

The top three skills for a clerical dentist assistant include patients, chair side and appointment schedules. The most important skills for a dental nurse are patients, oral surgery, and surgical procedures.

Clerical dentist assistant vs dental nurse overview

Clerical Dentist AssistantDental Nurse
Yearly salary$82,890$81,113
Hourly rate$39.85$39.00
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs18,92035,787
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 26%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Clerical dentist assistant vs dental nurse salary

Clerical dentist assistants and dental nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clerical Dentist AssistantDental Nurse
Average salary$82,890$81,113
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $149,000Between $51,000 And $127,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between clerical dentist assistant and dental nurse education

There are a few differences between a clerical dentist assistant and a dental nurse in terms of educational background:

Clerical Dentist AssistantDental Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 26%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorDental AssistingNursing
Most common college--

Clerical dentist assistant vs dental nurse demographics

Here are the differences between clerical dentist assistants' and dental nurses' demographics:

Clerical Dentist AssistantDental Nurse
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 14.3% Female, 85.7%Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 26.0% Asian, 9.9% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 26.3% Asian, 10.1% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between clerical dentist assistant and dental nurse duties and responsibilities

Clerical dentist assistant example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
  • Enter and chart patient information using Dentrix.
  • Assist Dr. during surgery with tray setups, composites, crown and bridges, partials and dentures.
  • Assist with composite/amalgam restoration, crown & bridge preps/seats, endo, extractions, implants, and general anesthesia.
  • Communicate with patients and insurance companies to schedule appointments and verify benefits and eligibility.
  • Prepare patients for examination, and properly arrange examining rooms with the necessary equipment for procedures.
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Dental nurse example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
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  • Communicate appropriately and sensitively with patients who may be fearful, vulnerable, have sensitive concerns or have special needs i.e.
  • Educate patients on oral/dental hygiene, project office interests.
  • Complete documents for state fund Medicaid programs, admission into community nursing and group home facilities and other community resources available.
  • Perform chartings and BPE records.
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Clerical dentist assistant vs dental nurse skills

Common clerical dentist assistant skills
  • Patients, 39%
  • Chair Side, 4%
  • Appointment Schedules, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
  • Front Desk, 3%
  • Instrument Trays, 3%
Common dental nurse skills
  • Patients, 44%
  • Oral Surgery, 11%
  • Surgical Procedures, 11%
  • Dental Procedures, 7%
  • Dental Clinic, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 4%

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