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The differences between dental assistant externs 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 dental assistant extern and a dental nurse. Additionally, a dental nurse has an average salary of $81,113, 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 nurse are patients, oral surgery, and surgical procedures.
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.
A Dental Nurse assists dentists in carrying out different kinds of oral-care procedures. They look after patient records and make notes when the dentist is examining a patient.
Dental assistant externs and dental nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Dental Assistant Extern | Dental Nurse | |
| Average salary | $38,679 | $81,113 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $52,000 | Between $51,000 And $127,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a dental assistant extern and a dental nurse in terms of educational background:
| Dental Assistant Extern | Dental Nurse | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Dental Assisting | Nursing |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between dental assistant externs' and dental nurses' demographics:
| Dental Assistant Extern | Dental Nurse | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9% | Male, 13.6% Female, 86.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 26.3% Asian, 10.1% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |