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Dental assistant extern vs dental assistant teacher

The differences between dental assistant externs and dental assistant teachers 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 dental assistant teacher. Additionally, a dental assistant teacher has an average salary of $39,097, 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 dental assistant teacher are patients, treatment procedures, and dental assistants.

Dental assistant extern vs dental assistant teacher overview

Dental Assistant ExternDental Assistant Teacher
Yearly salary$38,679$39,097
Hourly rate$18.60$18.80
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs24,154122,650
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 27%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does a dental assistant extern do?

Dental assistant externs are responsible for various office and laboratory tasks in a dentist's clinic or office. They may provide patient care, but the procedures they can perform vary by state. Their duties and responsibilities may include preparing patients for the dental examination, organizing and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies, and scheduling appointments. Also, they are responsible for recording dental and medical histories of patients and providing aftercare, such as instructing patients on proper oral hygiene. Dental assistants may also perform other duties such as fluoride application and polishing.

What does a dental assistant teacher do?

A dental assistant teacher develops and implements training programs for students learning to become certified dental assistants. Besides teaching, they are also responsible for creating training plans, producing learning materials such as visual aids and presentations, arranging group or individual activities, monitoring the students' progress, and assisting them as necessary. They must also monitor and secure supplies, facilitate seminars, and solve issues when any arise. Moreover, a dental assistant teacher empowers students towards their goals and maintains a safe and productive training environment for everyone.

Dental assistant extern vs dental assistant teacher salary

Dental assistant externs and dental assistant teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dental Assistant ExternDental Assistant Teacher
Average salary$38,679$39,097
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $52,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between dental assistant extern and dental assistant teacher education

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

Dental Assistant ExternDental Assistant Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 27%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Dental assistant extern vs dental assistant teacher demographics

Here are the differences between dental assistant externs' and dental assistant teachers' demographics:

Dental Assistant ExternDental Assistant Teacher
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 26.1% Female, 73.9%Male, 19.1% Female, 80.9%
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, 7.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 10.0% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dental assistant extern and dental assistant teacher 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

Dental assistant teacher example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
  • Work with patients by assisting dentists and supporting hygiene students in restoration procedures along with several other dental procedures.
  • Provide direct customer service daily; greet and prepare patients for dental examinations, build charts, and document preliminary information.
  • Assist in oral surgery under local and twilight anesthesia in a private practice setting.Primary IV starter and administer anesthetics on command.
  • Obtain impressions for partial and permanent dentures.
  • Enter clinical notes, demographics, and insurance information utilizing Dentrix software.

Dental assistant extern vs dental assistant teacher skills

Common dental assistant extern skills
  • Patients, 35%
  • Dental Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Instrument Trays, 5%
  • Infection Control, 4%
  • Exam Rooms, 3%
Common dental assistant teacher skills
  • Patients, 49%
  • Treatment Procedures, 14%
  • Dental Assistants, 10%
  • Oral Health, 10%
  • CPR, 4%
  • Radiology, 2%

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