Medical Assistant vs. Dental Assistant: Top Differences
Jul 24, 2024
While the role of medical assistant is crucial in patient care, they have distinct responsibilities, work environments, and training requirements.
In this guide, we'll break down the top differences between medical assistants and dental assistants to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- What are the main differences between a medical assistant and a dental assistant
- Medical assistant vs. dental assistant
- References
What are the main differences between a medical assistant and a dental assistant
Both positions are integral to the healthcare system, but they differ in several key areas. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined the primary differences between these two professions.
If you're interested in the various certifications available for medical assistants, take a look at our comprehensive guide on the types of medical assistant certifications.
|
Medical assistant |
Dental assistant |
|
|
Education |
Requires a certificate or associate degree from an accredited program. |
Requires a certificate or diploma from an accredited dental assistant program. |
|
Certification |
Certification options include CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), RMA (Registered Medical Assistant). |
Certification options include CDA (Certified Dental Assistant), RDA (Registered Dental Assistant). |
|
Duties |
Administrative tasks (scheduling, billing), clinical tasks (taking vitals, drawing blood). |
Preparing patients for procedures, assisting with dental procedures, sterilizing instruments. |
|
Skills needed |
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency with medical software. |
Manual dexterity, attention to detail, strong communication skills. |
|
Work environment |
Typically works in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities. |
Primarily works in dental offices and clinics. |
|
Salary (Median) |
Approximately $35,850 per year. |
Approximately $40,080 per year. |
Medical assistant vs. dental assistant
This section will help you compare and contrast these two career paths, providing a clear understanding of what to expect in each role.
If you're curious about career advancement opportunities, explore what other jobs can a medical assistant apply for.
For a detailed list of skills required for medical assistants, visit our section on medical assistant skills.
For more information on medical assistant education, check out our guide on the medical assistant program.
For a deeper dive into salaries specific to different locations, such as Orlando, refer to our resource on medical assistant salary orlando.
If you're interested in the most lucrative areas within the medical assistant profession, explore our guide on the highest paid medical assistant specialties.
About 114,600 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
References
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 16). Medical Assistants : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
