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Dental assistant/receptionist vs clerical dentist assistant

The differences between dental assistant/receptionists and clerical dentist 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 clerical dentist assistant. Additionally, a clerical dentist assistant has an average salary of $82,890, which is higher than the $38,823 average annual salary of a dental assistant/receptionist.

The top three skills for a dental assistant/receptionist include patients, customer service and dental procedures. The most important skills for a clerical dentist assistant are patients, chair side, and appointment schedules.

Dental assistant/receptionist vs clerical dentist assistant overview

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistClerical Dentist Assistant
Yearly salary$38,823$82,890
Hourly rate$18.66$39.85
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs80,31718,920
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Bachelor's Degree, 26%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Dental assistant/receptionist vs clerical dentist assistant salary

Dental assistant/receptionists and clerical dentist assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistClerical Dentist Assistant
Average salary$38,823$82,890
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $45,000 And $149,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MN-
Highest paying stateMinnesota-
Best paying companyMount Sinai Health System-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and clerical dentist assistant education

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

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistClerical Dentist Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Bachelor's Degree, 26%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Dental assistant/receptionist vs clerical dentist assistant demographics

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

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistClerical Dentist Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 6.7% Female, 93.3%Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7%
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, 7.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 26.0% Asian, 9.9% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and clerical dentist 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.
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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 assistant/receptionist vs clerical dentist 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 clerical dentist assistant skills
  • Patients, 39%
  • Chair Side, 4%
  • Appointment Schedules, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
  • Front Desk, 3%
  • Instrument Trays, 3%

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