What is the salary of a dental assistant vs. a medical assistant?
Question:
What is the salary of a dental assistant vs. a medical assistant?
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Answer:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of a dental assistant, as of 2019, was $40,080, or $19.27 per hour, while medical assistants made slightly less at $34,800 per year. The difference between the positions in predicted job growth is fairly great. BLS reports that between 2019 and 2029, job opportunities for dental assistants is expected to increase by 7% while medical assistants have a larger expected increase at 19%. Although some employers may provide on-the-job training, most positions require applicants hold a postsecondary certificate from an accredited training program. Medical and dental assistant training programs typically range in length from 1-2 years. Prospective medical and dental students are encouraged to take science courses in high school, specifically anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Licensing options are available in both industries from the Dental Assisting National Board and the American Association of Medical Assistants.
For more information on dental assistants, check out this article: Requirements for a Dental Assistant
