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Final test technician vs dental assistant

The differences between final test technicians and dental assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a final test technician, becoming a dental assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a final test technician has an average salary of $45,208, which is higher than the $37,730 average annual salary of a dental assistant.

The top three skills for a final test technician include R, test procedures and quality standards. The most important skills for a dental assistant are patients, patient care, and CPR.

Final test technician vs dental assistant overview

Final Test TechnicianDental Assistant
Yearly salary$45,208$37,730
Hourly rate$21.73$18.14
Growth rate-8%
Number of jobs36,01969,835
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age5038
Years of experience122

Final test technician vs dental assistant salary

Final test technicians and dental assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Final Test TechnicianDental Assistant
Average salary$45,208$37,730
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $64,000Between $28,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City-Saint Paul, MN
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Alameda Health System
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between final test technician and dental assistant education

There are a few differences between a final test technician and a dental assistant in terms of educational background:

Final Test TechnicianDental Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringDental Assisting
Most common collegeNortheastern University-

Final test technician vs dental assistant demographics

Here are the differences between final test technicians' and dental assistants' demographics:

Final Test TechnicianDental Assistant
Average age5038
Gender ratioMale, 91.3% Female, 8.7%Male, 11.5% Female, 88.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.4% Asian, 9.1% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%4%

Differences between final test technician and dental assistant duties and responsibilities

Final test technician example responsibilities.

  • Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
  • Obtain and update certificates for A+, ESD IPC and ISO certifications.
  • Perform calibration, setup, troubleshoot and test support for RMA units.
  • Test and repair printed circuit boards, RF generators, and modular parts for etching wafers.
  • Test all laser scanners, processors and accessories for proper operation including burning software onto chips to install onto circuit boards.
  • Solder diodes and components to PC boards.
  • Show more

Dental assistant example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
  • Assist with Endo, implants and periodontal surgeries.
  • Implement MSDS record keeping and biological monitoring system logs.
  • Assist in clinical procedures (all specialties except orthodontics).
  • Maintain highest degree of patient confidentiality as per HIPPA law.
  • Sole dental assistant for small private practice using a variety of EFDA skills
  • Show more

Final test technician vs dental assistant skills

Common final test technician skills
  • R, 13%
  • Test Procedures, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • Test Equipment, 6%
  • RF, 5%
  • Laser, 5%
Common dental assistant skills
  • Patients, 30%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Oral Care, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Dental Procedures, 3%

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