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Orthodontic assistant vs clerical dentist assistant

The differences between orthodontic assistants 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 an orthodontic assistant and a clerical dentist assistant. Additionally, a clerical dentist assistant has an average salary of $82,890, which is higher than the $49,768 average annual salary of an orthodontic assistant.

The top three skills for an orthodontic assistant include patients, HIPAA and patient care. The most important skills for a clerical dentist assistant are patients, chair side, and appointment schedules.

Orthodontic assistant vs clerical dentist assistant overview

Orthodontic AssistantClerical Dentist Assistant
Yearly salary$49,768$82,890
Hourly rate$23.93$39.85
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs55,93318,920
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 26%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Orthodontic assistant vs clerical dentist assistant salary

Orthodontic assistants and clerical dentist assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Orthodontic AssistantClerical Dentist Assistant
Average salary$49,768$82,890
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $96,000Between $45,000 And $149,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyLCMC Health-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between orthodontic assistant and clerical dentist assistant education

There are a few differences between an orthodontic assistant and a clerical dentist assistant in terms of educational background:

Orthodontic AssistantClerical Dentist Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 26%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Orthodontic assistant vs clerical dentist assistant demographics

Here are the differences between orthodontic assistants' and clerical dentist assistants' demographics:

Orthodontic AssistantClerical Dentist Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 8.4% Female, 91.6%Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 7.9% White, 56.0% 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 orthodontic assistant and clerical dentist assistant duties and responsibilities

Orthodontic assistant example responsibilities.

  • Assist in intravenous sedation, prepare syringes with proper medication, placement of EKG leads, record and monitor during procedures.
  • Monitor patients under iv sedation.
  • Deliver invisalign aligners and place attachments on patients.
  • Assist in orthodontics including taking pictures, panoramic and impressions for invisalign and traditional braces.
  • Remain up to date on CPR certification.
  • Review contracts, HIPAA regulations, and payment plans.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Orthodontic assistant vs clerical dentist assistant skills

Common orthodontic assistant skills
  • Patients, 38%
  • HIPAA, 6%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Chair Side, 5%
  • Infection Control, 5%
  • OSHA, 3%
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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