Dental assistants provide different types of patient care, office duties, and laboratory duties. They do not perform the same tasks that dental hygienists are licensed to perform.

Advancement:
Some dental assistants become office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives, but opportunities are limited for those without further education. Some dental assistants become dental hygienists after going back to school.

Job Outlook:
The job outlook for dental assistants is excellent, and employment in this field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that it will be the third fastest growing occupation for which a degree isn't required.

Earnings of Dental Assistants:
Median hourly earnings for dental assistants were $13.62 in 2004 (U.S.*).

Provided:
Courses are an online format with lab kits sent to your home, and an in-person internship with local dentist.

Go to Clinical Dental Assisting page

Dental hygienists provide preventative dental care and teach patients how to maintain good oral health. They generally work under the supervision of a dentist.

Job Outlook:
The future for dental hygienists looks bright. This field is expected to have greater than average job growth through 2014 and job prospects should be plentiful. It is one of the fastest growing occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

Earnings of Dental Hygienists:
Dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $60,890 and median hourly wages of $29.28 in 2005.*

Provided:
Rio Salado College School of Dental Hygiene (in-person program)

Go to Dental Hygiene page