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Dental assistant/receptionist vs certified dental assistant

The differences between dental assistant/receptionists and certified 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/receptionist and a certified dental assistant. Additionally, a dental assistant/receptionist has an average salary of $38,823, which is higher than the $38,418 average annual salary of a certified dental assistant.

The top three skills for a dental assistant/receptionist include patients, customer service and dental procedures. The most important skills for a certified dental assistant are patients, dental procedures, and CPR.

Dental assistant/receptionist vs certified dental assistant overview

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistCertified Dental Assistant
Yearly salary$38,823$38,418
Hourly rate$18.66$18.47
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs80,317102,316
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Dental assistant/receptionist vs certified dental assistant salary

Dental assistant/receptionists and certified dental assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistCertified Dental Assistant
Average salary$38,823$38,418
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $28,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MN-
Highest paying stateMinnesota-
Best paying companyMount Sinai Health System-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and certified dental assistant education

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

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistCertified Dental Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Dental assistant/receptionist vs certified dental assistant demographics

Here are the differences between dental assistant/receptionists' and certified dental assistants' demographics:

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistCertified Dental Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 6.7% Female, 93.3%Male, 6.7% Female, 93.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.8% Asian, 8.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 7.8% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and certified dental assistant duties and responsibilities

Dental assistant/receptionist example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate continuing education courses, schedule in office training sessions and manage first aid, CPR and a certifications.
  • Contact pharmacist to authorize medication for patients prior to dental procedures.
  • Store records securely and handle in compliance with legal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
  • Assist in a variety of dental procedures including all types of fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns and dentures.
  • Chart, examination/treatment information, scheduled/cancel appointments using CDA.
  • Provide state-of-the-art individualize orthodontic treatment to adult and adolescent patients.
  • Show more

Certified dental assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage surgery center infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards.
  • Provide excellent customer service to dental patients and represent the organization at trade shows and presentations.
  • Reconcile payments, verify insurance benefits, schedule appointments and present patients with necessary treatment plans.
  • 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/receptionist vs certified dental assistant skills

Common dental assistant/receptionist skills
  • Patients, 31%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Dental Procedures, 5%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 4%
  • Strong Computer, 4%
  • Dental Care, 4%
Common certified dental assistant skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • Dental Procedures, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Chair Side, 6%
  • Patient Care, 4%
  • Treatment Rooms, 3%

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