Dental assistant salary is much lower than ultrasound technician salary in 2011. All professionals in the field of Medicine are affected by the different factors, which dictate the ultrasound pay or dental assistant pay. Here is a brief comparison of the dental assistant career with the medical sonography career. Relevant information such as salaries will be discussed as well as the comparison of education and training.
Dental assistant training varies from one state to another state but it usually can be accomplished within two years. There are several schools available all over the USA and sometimes more students prefer to finish at least the associate degree program for dental assistant or dental hygienist for easy employment. On the other hand, an ultrasound tech can become a professional in as fast as two years. While dental hygienists are required to acquire state license, ultrasound license is optional. The good thing about becoming an ultrasound sonographer is that it is not required to acquire state license because dental hygienists are required to have a state license before working.
The dental assistant job description is mainly upon the discretion of the dentist. Most of the time, preparation of the dental room, assisting the dentist during procedures, teeth cleaning, fluoride application after cleaning, x ray processing and evaluating and checking on the health of the gums whether the gums are in good condition and free from disease are some of the job description of the dental hygienist. The medical sonographer is responsible in taking clear images of the patient’s internal organs, soft tissues and veins in order to help the doctor fully diagnose the patient of his disease.
Besides, location of employment and level of experience affect the salaries. Today, dental hygienist salary in terms of yearly basis is $20,277 to $40,780 while the hourly rate is $9.76 to $19.18. In comparison with the higher ultrasound tech pay, the hourly rate for each technician is $17.65 to $37.10 and the average annual income is $35,088 to $78,595. The salary figure comparison reveals that ultrasound technicians earn more than dental hygienists in the USA.
In New York, sonographers are paid with an annual salary of $31,319 to $73,533 while dental assistant income is $21,895 to $39,572 per year. In Florida, dental hygienist salary in a year is $21,397 to $47,509 while ultrasound sonographers are paid with an annual salary starting with $30,100 to $82,434.
In general, more experienced professionals are paid higher than those who have just been hired or who have just spent a year in a medical company. Ultrasound technicians or dental hygienists who have been employed for twenty years or more earn a little higher income than those who have been employed for five years or lower. Ultrasound sonographers who have been employed for twenty years or more can earn from $54,821 to $78,611 per year while dental assistants are paid with salaries starting from $24,024 to $43,278 per year.
Job outlook for dental hygienist has been stronger even though dental health is not made as the very first priority of many people. As with the ultrasound tech job outlook, it will remain to be good as it has started growing by 19% from 2008 to 2018.
In conclusion, dental assistant salary is a way lower than the salary, which is awarded to ultrasound technicians. Therefore, pursuing an ultrasound tech career is more preferred than a dental hygienist career in 2012.
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