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Orthodontic assistant vs dental assistant teacher

The differences between orthodontic assistants and dental assistant teachers 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 dental assistant teacher. Additionally, an orthodontic assistant has an average salary of $49,768, which is higher than the $39,097 average annual salary of a dental assistant teacher.

The top three skills for an orthodontic assistant include patients, HIPAA and patient care. The most important skills for a dental assistant teacher are patients, treatment procedures, and dental assistants.

Orthodontic assistant vs dental assistant teacher overview

Orthodontic AssistantDental Assistant Teacher
Yearly salary$49,768$39,097
Hourly rate$23.93$18.80
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs55,933122,650
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 27%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does an orthodontic assistant do?

An Orthodontic Assistant works under the supervision of an orthodontist. They prepare the appointment rooms prior to patients visits, take the patients oral health history, assess patients through examining them, and determine their needs for orthodontic care.

What does a dental assistant teacher do?

A dental assistant teacher develops and implements training programs for students learning to become certified dental assistants. Besides teaching, they are also responsible for creating training plans, producing learning materials such as visual aids and presentations, arranging group or individual activities, monitoring the students' progress, and assisting them as necessary. They must also monitor and secure supplies, facilitate seminars, and solve issues when any arise. Moreover, a dental assistant teacher empowers students towards their goals and maintains a safe and productive training environment for everyone.

Orthodontic assistant vs dental assistant teacher salary

Orthodontic assistants and dental assistant teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Orthodontic AssistantDental Assistant Teacher
Average salary$49,768$39,097
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $96,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyLCMC Health-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between orthodontic assistant and dental assistant teacher education

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

Orthodontic AssistantDental Assistant Teacher
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 27%
Most common majorDental AssistingDental Assisting
Most common college--

Orthodontic assistant vs dental assistant teacher demographics

Here are the differences between orthodontic assistants' and dental assistant teachers' demographics:

Orthodontic AssistantDental Assistant Teacher
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 8.4% Female, 91.6%Male, 19.1% Female, 80.9%
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, 7.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 10.0% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between orthodontic assistant and dental assistant teacher 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

Dental assistant teacher example responsibilities.

  • Help dentist to manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply.
  • Work with patients by assisting dentists and supporting hygiene students in restoration procedures along with several other dental procedures.
  • Provide direct customer service daily; greet and prepare patients for dental examinations, build charts, and document preliminary information.
  • Assist in oral surgery under local and twilight anesthesia in a private practice setting.Primary IV starter and administer anesthetics on command.
  • Obtain impressions for partial and permanent dentures.
  • Enter clinical notes, demographics, and insurance information utilizing Dentrix software.

Orthodontic assistant vs dental assistant teacher skills

Common orthodontic assistant skills
  • Patients, 38%
  • HIPAA, 6%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Chair Side, 5%
  • Infection Control, 5%
  • OSHA, 3%
Common dental assistant teacher skills
  • Patients, 49%
  • Treatment Procedures, 14%
  • Dental Assistants, 10%
  • Oral Health, 10%
  • CPR, 4%
  • Radiology, 2%

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