When it comes to choosing a vocational training program, it's important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals. Two popular options in the healthcare field are becoming a dental assistant or a PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) provider. Both professions offer rewarding opportunities to work with patients and make a difference in their lives. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between a dental assistant and a PALS provider, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlook.

What is a Dental Assistant and PALS?

Before we dive into the comparison, let's first understand what a dental assistant and a PALS provider do.

Dental Assistant: A dental assistant is a vital member of a dental healthcare team. They work closely with dentists and dental hygienists to ensure the smooth operation of dental offices. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, including preparing patients for treatments, assisting during procedures, taking X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and educating patients on oral healthcare.

PALS Provider: PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support. PALS providers are healthcare professionals who are trained to respond to and manage pediatric emergencies. They are typically nurses, doctors, or other healthcare providers who work in critical care settings such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and pediatric clinics. PALS providers are responsible for assessing and stabilizing critically ill or injured children and infants, administering medications, and performing life-saving interventions.

Difference between a Dental Assistant and PALS

While both dental assistants and PALS providers work in the healthcare field, there are significant differences in their roles and responsibilities. Here are some key distinctions:

• Patient Population: Dental assistants primarily work with patients of all ages who require dental care. PALS providers, on the other hand, specialize in treating pediatric patients (children and infants) in critical care settings.

• Scope of Practice: Dental assistants are responsible for assisting dentists and dental hygienists in providing dental treatments and procedures. Their tasks may include taking X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and educating patients on oral hygiene. PALS providers, on the other hand, have advanced training in pediatric emergencies and are equipped to handle life-threatening situations.

• Work Environment: Dental assistants typically work in dental offices or clinics, alongside dentists and dental hygienists. PALS providers, on the other hand, work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, emergency departments, and intensive care units.

• Certification Requirements: While dental assisting programs vary in length and depth, most states require dental assistants to complete a certificate or diploma program. PALS providers, on the other hand, must complete a specialized training course and obtain certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Dental Assistant vs PALS: Job Description

Now that we have a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of dental assistants and PALS providers, let's take a closer look at their job descriptions.

Dental Assistant Job Description:

• Assisting dentists and dental hygienists during dental procedures
• Taking and developing dental X-rays
• Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments
• Educating patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care
• Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
• Performing office tasks such as answering phones and billing

PALS Provider Job Description:

• Assessing and managing pediatric emergencies
• Administering medications and performing life-saving interventions
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families
• Documenting patient information and maintaining accurate records
• Participating in ongoing education and training to stay up-to-date with advancements in pediatric emergency care

Dental Assistant vs PALS: Education and Training

The educational requirements for dental assistants and PALS providers differ significantly. Here's what you need to know:

Dental Assistant Education and Training:

• Dental assisting programs vary in length and depth, with certificate and diploma programs typically ranging from 9 to 12 months.
• These programs cover topics such as dental anatomy, chairside assisting, radiography, infection control, and dental office management.
• Some states may require dental assistants to obtain licensure or certification, while others may only require on-the-job training.

PALS Provider Education and Training:

• To become a PALS provider, you must first be a licensed healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor.
• PALS training is typically a two-day course that covers topics such as pediatric assessment, respiratory emergencies, and cardiac arrest in children.
• After completing the training, healthcare professionals must pass an exam to obtain PALS certification.

Dental Assistant vs PALS: Career Outlook and Salary

Both dental assisting and PALS offer promising career opportunities in the healthcare field. Here's an overview of their career outlook and salary potential:

Dental Assistant Career Outlook:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The demand for dental assistants is driven by ongoing research linking oral health to overall health, as well as an aging population that will require dental services.
• The median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $55,010.

PALS Provider Career Outlook:

• As PALS providers are typically licensed healthcare professionals, their career outlook varies depending on their specific field of practice (e.g., nursing, medicine).
• Pediatric healthcare is a specialized field, and the demand for PALS providers may be influenced by factors such as population growth, access to healthcare, and advancements in pediatric medicine.
• The median annual wage for registered nurses, who often become PALS providers, was $75,330 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $116,230.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vocational training program is a crucial decision that can shape your career path and future opportunities. Both dental assisting and becoming a PALS provider offer rewarding careers in the healthcare field, but they cater to different interests and skill sets. If you enjoy working with patients of all ages and have an interest in oral healthcare, becoming a dental assistant may be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for pediatric medicine and want to make a difference in the lives of critically ill or injured children, pursuing a career as a PALS provider may be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your strengths, interests, and long-term career goals.

Dreambound extends its programs to diverse locations. Delve deeper into information about these two vocations by visiting:

• Dental Assistant in Hawaii
• PALS in Hawaii
• PALS classes near you