Want personalized recommendations?
Let's match you to the right program
Key Points:
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.
Article continues after recommendations
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.
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.
Dental Assistant:
Medical Transcriptionist:
Dental Assistant:
Medical Transcriptionist:
Get courses selected just for you
Try our powerful search engine
Article continues after recommendations
Dental Assistant:
Medical Transcriptionist:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Marce Arnejo is part of the Sales team at Dreambound. Her role involves seeking out schools and institutions to provide valuable opportunities for students seeking a career in the healthcare sector. Beyond her professional life, Marce is passionate about music and gaming. She finds joy in exploring various genres of music and using gaming to unwind and immerse herself in virtual worlds. Her diverse interests enrich her personal life and contribute to her work by bringing new ideas and creativity.