Both roles support providers, but in different ways. Fortunately, you can enter either of these positions with a short-term certificate program.
The key is to decide whether you want to work in hands-on patient care in a dental setting or in documentation as you shadow a physician in a medical setting. This guide breaks down each role.
Key Differences in Dental Assistant vs. Medical Scribe
Both dental assistants and medical scribes are vital and help primary care providers deliver care. However, while there are similarities, these careers are also very different.
Work Setting
For instance, dental assistants support dentists with direct patient care, while medical scribes support doctors through documentation. This means dental assistants prep patients, while medical scribes speak with patients regularly but have little physical patient interaction.
Additionally, these positions work in different settings. Where dental assistants work in dental offices or clinics, medical scribes work closely with providers in hospitals, clinics or physicians’ offices.
Education and Earning Potential
As you’d expect, education for these roles also differs, given their different focus and skills. Both positions typically require graduation from a college or career institute.
MedCerts offers programs in both areas:
- Dental Assistant
- 14-week program
- Prepares you for the Registered Dental Assistant certification exam
- Average starting salary of $32,000
- Medical Scribe Professional
- 14-week program
- Prepares you for the Medical Scribe credentialing exam
- Average starting salary of $27,000
Dental Assistant: Responsibilities and Best Fit
Exactly what does a dental assistant do on an average day? The role is mostly supportive, preparing patients for treatment and assisting the dentist with procedures.
Typical Tasks
Dental assistants spend part of their time with patients and part of their time in the lab or sterilization areas. Typical tasks include:
- Prepping patients for procedures and X-rays
- Processing X-rays
- Sterilizing dental tools
- Sanitizing treatment areas
- Handing tools to the dentist during procedures
- Recording patient information
Best For
The assistant role is best for those who enjoy hands-on work with patients and coworkers. You’ll spend much of your day with the dentist and patients, so you must have compassion and strong listening skills.
Dental assistants must follow infection control and treatment protocols, so you must also be detail-oriented and organized.
Medical Scribe: Responsibilities and Best Fit
As a medical scribe, you may be around patients. However, your role is more observational, focusing on documentation and supporting a provider’s workflow.
Typical Tasks
Medical scribes spend much of their time shadowing a provider to record information and maintaining records. Possible tasks include:
- Documenting patient visit information in real-time
- Updating charts and electronic health records
- Finding and entering test results
- Ordering labs and imaging
- Handling phone calls
Best For
The medical scribe role is best for those who prefer supportive roles and are interested in working with physicians. However, the role involves quiet observation and recording, so you’ll need excellent listening and comprehension skills. Ideally, you’ll be interested in the healthcare system, admin work and a variety of medical settings.
How to Choose
So, what’s better: dental assistant vs. medical scribe? It comes down to your personal preferences. Consider whether you’d prefer to work in a dental setting, in general medical care and hands-on patient care or in behind-the-scenes record-keeping. Both roles are fulfilling, but have different focuses, including clinical procedures vs. recordkeeping. Knowing your strengths and interests will help you choose the best MedCerts program and career for you.
