Are you considering a career in the healthcare industry but not sure where to start? Two popular options to consider are becoming a dental assistant or a medical transcriptionist. While both professions offer opportunities for growth and job stability, they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between a dental assistant and a medical transcriptionist to help you make an informed decision about which path is right for you.

What is a Dental Assistant and Medical Transcriptionist?

Dental Assistant:

A dental assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team. They work closely with dentists and hygienists to provide chairside assistance during dental procedures. Dental assistants may also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and managing the front office.

Medical Transcriptionist:

A medical transcriptionist, on the other hand, is responsible for transcribing dictated recordings made by healthcare professionals into written reports. These reports are then added to patient records and used for documentation purposes. Medical transcriptionists must have a strong understanding of medical terminology and excellent listening and typing skills.

Difference between a Dental Assistant and Medical Transcriptionist:

Job Responsibilities:

• Dental Assistant:

  • Assisting dentists and hygienists during dental procedures
  • Taking and developing dental x-rays
  • Sterilizing dental instruments and equipment
  • Educating patients on oral hygiene and post-operative care
  • Performing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records

• Medical Transcriptionist:

  • Transcribing dictated recordings into written reports
  • Reviewing and editing transcriptions for accuracy and clarity
  • Ensuring that transcribed reports are entered into patient records
  • Researching and verifying medical terminology and drug names
  • Maintaining confidentiality and security of patient information

Education and Training:

• Dental Assistant:

  • Most dental assistant programs require a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Some states require dental assistants to complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a certification exam
  • Dental assisting programs typically take 9 to 11 months to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training
  • Dental assistants may also choose to become certified through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

• Medical Transcriptionist:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level medical transcriptionist positions
  • Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary medical transcriptionist program
  • These programs can be completed in as little as 6 months and cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, and transcription techniques
  • Medical transcriptionists may choose to become certified through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)

Career Outlook and Salary:

• Dental Assistant:

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations
  • The median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $56,930

• Medical Transcriptionist:

  • The BLS projects a decline of 2 percent in employment for medical transcriptionists from 2019 to 2029, mainly due to advances in speech recognition technology
  • The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $34,770 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $51,640

Dental Assistant vs Medical Transcriptionist: Job Description

When comparing the job descriptions of dental assistants and medical transcriptionists, it is clear that they have different roles and responsibilities. Dental assistants work directly with patients and assist dentists and hygienists during dental procedures, while medical transcriptionists work behind the scenes, transcribing dictated recordings into written reports. Dental assistants have a more hands-on role in patient care, while medical transcriptionists focus on accurate documentation and record-keeping.

Dental Assistant vs Medical Transcriptionist: Education and Training

In terms of education and training, both dental assistants and medical transcriptionists require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, dental assistants may need to complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a certification exam in some states. These programs typically take less than a year to complete and provide both classroom instruction and hands-on training. On the other hand, medical transcriptionists may choose to complete a postsecondary medical transcriptionist program, which can be completed in as little as 6 months. These programs cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, and transcription techniques. Both professions also offer the opportunity for certification through professional organizations.

Dental Assistant vs Medical Transcriptionist: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering career outlook and salary, dental assistants have a more positive outlook compared to medical transcriptionists. The employment of dental assistants is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with a 7 percent increase from 2019 to 2029. On the other hand, the employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline by 2 percent during the same period, mainly due to advances in speech recognition technology. In terms of salary, dental assistants have a higher median annual wage compared to medical transcriptionists. The median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2020, while medical transcriptionists earned a median annual wage of $34,770.

Final Thoughts

Both dental assisting and medical transcription offer rewarding career options within the healthcare industry. While dental assistants have a more hands-on role in patient care and a positive job outlook, medical transcriptionists play a crucial role in accurate documentation and record-keeping. Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals when deciding between these two professions.

Discover Dreambound's programs, conveniently offered in various locations. Find out more about these two vocations by visiting:

• Dental Assistant in Connecticut
• Medical Transcriptionist in Connecticut
• Dental Assistant classes near you
• Medical Transcriptionist classes near you