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Dental nurse vs nurse

The differences between dental nurses and 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 nurse and a nurse. Additionally, a dental nurse has an average salary of $81,113, which is higher than the $57,564 average annual salary of a nurse.

The top three skills for a dental nurse include patients, oral surgery and surgical procedures. The most important skills for a nurse are patients, home health, and CPR.

Dental nurse vs nurse overview

Dental NurseNurse
Yearly salary$81,113$57,564
Hourly rate$39.00$27.68
Growth rate8%6%
Number of jobs35,787696,124
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age3844
Years of experience22

What does a dental nurse do?

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.

What does a nurse do?

Nurses are medical professionals assigned to a specific department in the hospital and provide their trusted department services. Nurses are in charge of taking patients' medical histories, getting vital signs, preparing patients for checkups or procedures, explaining upcoming practices, answering any questions, and communicating any concerns to the assigned doctor. Nurses should ensure that patients follow the medical advice given to them. They also assist patients in completing administrative requirements, such as filling out forms, validating details, and endorsing payments.

Dental nurse vs nurse salary

Dental nurses and nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dental NurseNurse
Average salary$81,113$57,564
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $127,000Between $38,000 And $86,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Conviva
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between dental nurse and nurse education

There are a few differences between a dental nurse and a nurse in terms of educational background:

Dental NurseNurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common college-Duke University

Dental nurse vs nurse demographics

Here are the differences between dental nurses' and nurses' demographics:

Dental NurseNurse
Average age3844
Gender ratioMale, 13.6% Female, 86.4%Male, 14.0% Female, 86.0%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage4%9%

Differences between dental nurse and nurse duties and responsibilities

Dental nurse example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
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  • Communicate appropriately and sensitively with patients who may be fearful, vulnerable, have sensitive concerns or have special needs i.e.
  • Educate patients on oral/dental hygiene, project office interests.
  • Complete documents for state fund Medicaid programs, admission into community nursing and group home facilities and other community resources available.
  • Perform chartings and BPE records.
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Nurse example responsibilities.

  • Monitor patients' status during surgery (circulate in operating room) and manage patients in PACU.
  • Manage high-acuity cardiac/pulmonary and psychiatric patients
  • Monitor patients for cardiac rhythm changes and implement medication according to ACLS guidelines.
  • Educate patients and families on diseases processes, medications, wind care, and iv infusion.
  • Provide care for patients on medical/surgical, transplant, cardiac, orthopedic, postpartum, neonatal ICU, and psychiatric units
  • Demonstrate competence in CPR and other medical emergency situations.
  • Show more

Dental nurse vs nurse skills

Common dental nurse skills
  • Patients, 44%
  • Oral Surgery, 11%
  • Surgical Procedures, 11%
  • Dental Procedures, 7%
  • Dental Clinic, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
Common nurse skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Home Health, 7%
  • CPR, 6%
  • BLS, 6%
  • Acute Care, 5%
  • Acls, 4%

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