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Dental assistant extern vs certified registered dental assistant

The differences between dental assistant externs and certified registered dental assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a dental assistant extern and a certified registered dental assistant. Additionally, a certified registered dental assistant has an average salary of $38,723, which is higher than the $38,679 average annual salary of a dental assistant extern.

The top three skills for a dental assistant extern include patients, dental procedures and patient care. The most important skills for a certified registered dental assistant are patients, OSHA, and front desk.

Dental assistant extern vs certified registered dental assistant overview

Dental Assistant ExternCertified Registered Dental Assistant
Yearly salary$38,679$38,723
Hourly rate$18.60$18.62
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs24,15456,676
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Associate Degree, 52%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Dental assistant extern vs certified registered dental assistant salary

Dental assistant externs and certified registered dental assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dental Assistant ExternCertified Registered Dental Assistant
Average salary$38,679$38,723
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $52,000Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between dental assistant extern and certified registered dental assistant education

There are a few differences between a dental assistant extern and a certified registered dental assistant in terms of educational background:

Dental Assistant ExternCertified Registered Dental Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Associate Degree, 52%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Dental assistant extern vs certified registered dental assistant demographics

Here are the differences between dental assistant externs' and certified registered dental assistants' demographics:

Dental Assistant ExternCertified Registered Dental Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 26.1% Female, 73.9%Male, 5.3% Female, 94.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dental assistant extern and certified registered dental assistant duties and responsibilities

Dental assistant extern example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
  • Input front office information into EagleSoft software.
  • Use of Patterson EagleSoft for patient information.
  • Perform administrative and customer service duties relate to dental activities, including in-processing of patients and scheduling appointments.
  • Assess spiritual needs of patients and families/caregivers and provide direct spiritual support, care and education to patients and family/caregivers.
  • Assist in oral surgery under local and twilight anesthesia in a private practice setting.Primary IV starter and administer anesthetics on command.
  • Show more

Certified registered dental assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage surgery center infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards.
  • Aid with full mouth restorations, implant crowns and dentures.
  • Prepare patients, sterilize and disinfect instruments.
  • Assist in oral surgery under local and twilight anesthesia in a private practice setting.Primary IV starter and administer anesthetics on command.
  • Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and operate resuscitation equipment.

Dental assistant extern vs certified registered dental assistant skills

Common dental assistant extern skills
  • Patients, 35%
  • Dental Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Instrument Trays, 5%
  • Infection Control, 4%
  • Exam Rooms, 3%
Common certified registered dental assistant skills
  • Patients, 40%
  • OSHA, 8%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Dental Procedures, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
  • Infection Control, 4%

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