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Dental assistant/receptionist vs lead dental assistant

The differences between dental assistant/receptionists and lead 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 lead dental assistant. Additionally, a lead dental assistant has an average salary of $41,290, 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 lead dental assistant are patients, infection control, and patient care.

Dental assistant/receptionist vs lead dental assistant overview

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistLead Dental Assistant
Yearly salary$38,823$41,290
Hourly rate$18.66$19.85
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs80,31731,588
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 24%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Dental assistant/receptionist vs lead dental assistant salary

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

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistLead Dental Assistant
Average salary$38,823$41,290
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MN-
Highest paying stateMinnesota-
Best paying companyMount Sinai Health System-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and lead dental assistant education

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

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistLead Dental Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 24%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Dental assistant/receptionist vs lead dental assistant demographics

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

Dental Assistant/ReceptionistLead Dental Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 6.7% Female, 93.3%Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.7% Asian, 8.0% White, 52.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and lead 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

Lead dental assistant example responsibilities.

  • Provide oral care instruction to patients according to surgery or alternate dental procedures.
  • Provide exceptional oral hygiene care under supervision to a variety of patients in addition to assign clerical duties.
  • Certify as an instructor for CPR.
  • Demonstrate compliance in coordinating CPR training for staff.
  • Maintain dental records in accordance with HIPPA policy.
  • Enter patient information into computer system (PBS ENDO).
  • Show more

Dental assistant/receptionist vs lead 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 lead dental assistant skills
  • Patients, 25%
  • Infection Control, 7%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Dental Procedures, 4%
  • CPR, 4%

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