Physician Assistant vs. Dentist: What Are the Differences?

A career in the medical field can be both rewarding and challenging. Two common positions are that of a physician assistant and a dentist. Though both roles have similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a physician assistant and a dentist, and we provide additional medical professions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants are medical professionals who provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive healthcare services under the supervision of a licensed physician. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and treat common conditions and injuries, and provide patient education and counseling. Physician Assistants are able to prescribe medications in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They work in all medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices and research facilities.

What is a Dentist?

Dentists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral diseases and disorders. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, order and interpret dental x-rays and develop treatment plans. They clean teeth, fill cavities, extract teeth, make crowns and bridges and provide other types of preventive and restorative care. Dentists also educate patients on how to practice good oral hygiene. They may work in private practices, clinics or hospitals. Some Dentists also teach at dental schools or conduct research.

Physician Assistant vs. Dentist

Here are the main differences between a physician assistant and a dentist.

Job Duties

While both dentists and physician assistants can work with patients to improve their health, the duties they perform differ. Dentists examine a patient’s teeth and gums to determine if disease affects them. They remove decay from a tooth and treat infections in the gums. They may also repair broken teeth or replace them with implants. In addition, dentists provide dental care to prevent problems like gum disease or staining on teeth.

A physician assistant performs medical procedures that assist a doctor in diagnosing and treating a patient. They may draw blood, take biopsies or administer vaccines as part of a vaccination program. A physician assistant may also conduct routine physical exams, such as checking a patient’s heart rate or blood pressure. They may also monitor a patient’s recovery after surgery.

Job Requirements

Physician assistants typically need to earn a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program. These programs usually last about two years and include coursework in medical ethics, human anatomy and physiology. Physician assistants must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to earn their certification. Some states also require physician assistants to obtain a license.

Dentists must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree before attending dental school for another four years. During their time in dental school, students take courses in topics like oral anatomy, tooth development and pain management. They also gain clinical experience by treating patients in dental clinics. After graduation, dentists must pass both written and practical exams to earn their license.

Work Environment

Dentists work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals and community health centers. They may also work for the military or government agencies.

Physician assistants can also work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, research facilities and public health departments. Some physician assistants choose to work in more than one setting during their career.

Skills

Both physician assistants and dentists need to have excellent communication skills. They will be working with patients who may be nervous or in pain, so they need to be able to put them at ease and explain procedures clearly. Both also need to have good manual dexterity as they will be performing delicate tasks.

Physician assistants need to have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology as they will be responsible for conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses and injuries and developing treatment plans. Dentists also need to have a strong understanding of human anatomy, specifically the mouth and teeth, as they will be responsible for examining patients’ mouths, diagnosing dental problems and providing treatments.

Dentists need to have good artistic skills as they often need to create custom dental appliances, like crowns and bridges. They also need to be able to use dental equipment, such as drills and x-ray machines. Physician assistants do not typically need to have these skills.

Salary

Physician assistants earn an average salary of $106,398 per year, while dentists earn an average salary of $176,129 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the state in which you work, the type of facility you work in and the level of experience you have.