Healthcare support roles are essential to quality patient care, and medical assistants and dental assistants play unique yet equally vital parts in this mission. If you are considering a career in healthcare, this guide will help you compare the roles of medical assistants and dental assistants so you can choose the path that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.
Educational Pathways: Getting Started at ACC
At American Career College (ACC), we provide hands-on training to help students succeed in real-world settings through our Medical Assistant Program and Dental Assisting Program.
Medical Assistant Program
Complete your healthcare career training in as little as 9 months with American Career College's Medical Assistant program, offered at our Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim campuses.
Program Highlights:
- Blended Learning Format: 2 days on campus, remaining coursework completed online
- Weekend Classes Available: Offered at all three campuses
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Externship Experience: 220-hour externship
For complete details about our institutional accreditations, please visit our accreditations page.
Certification Preparation:
Graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized certifications, including:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – Offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)*
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – Offered through American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Dental Assisting Program
Complete your dental assisting career training in as little as 10 months with American Career College's Dental Assisting program, offered at our Los Angeles, Ontario, and Anaheim campuses.
Program Highlights:
- Blended Learning: Combines in-person instruction (2 days per week) with online coursework
- Weekend Classes Available: Offered at all three campuses
- Program Approved by the Dental Board of California
- Externship Experience: 180-hour externship in a real dental setting
For complete details about our institutional accreditations, please visit our accreditations page.
Certification Preparation:
Graduates are prepared to pursue the following industry-recognized certifications:
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Clinical Roles: Delivering Patient Care
While both roles involve patient interaction and essential support, the daily responsibilities vary significantly.
Medical Assistant Duties1
Medical assistant duties include:
- Taking vital signs and documenting patient symptoms
- Drawing blood, performing basic lab tests, and assisting with EKGs
- Supporting physicians during physical exams and administering medications
- Removing stitches, changing dressings, and preparing treatment areas
- Maintaining certification standards set by National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential
Dental Assistant Duties2
Dental assistant duties include:
- Preparing exam rooms, sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during procedures
- Processing dental X-rays and creating dental impressions for crowns or molds
- Providing patient education on oral hygiene and maintaining dental records
- Managing dental emergencies and monitoring inventory of supplies and equipment
Professional Certifications and Organizations
Medical Assistant Certifications
Medical assistant certifications include:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Dental Assistant Certifications
Dental assistant certifications include:
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) through DANB
- Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) through DANB
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) through DANB
Career Growth and Advancement
Both career paths offer opportunities to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on patient care.
Medical Assistant Opportunities
Medical assistant opportunities include:
- Specializing in clinical or administrative roles or transitioning into healthcare management
- Building experience to pursue further education, such as nursing or other healthcare degrees
- Advancing through additional certifications from recognized organizations like AAMA, AMT, NCCT, and NHA
Dental Assistant Opportunities
Dental assistant opportunities include:
- Advancing to roles like lead dental assistant or specializing in areas like orthodontics
- Pursuing advanced certifications through DANB to expand your scope of practice
- Progressing to specialized roles with additional training and certification
Work Environments: Where You'll Thrive
Medical Assistant Settings1
- Clinics, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and senior living facilities
Dental Assistant Settings2
- Dental offices, orthodontic practices, and public health centers
The choice between these roles often depends on whether you prefer a general healthcare setting or a more specialized focus on oral health.
Pros and Cons of Medical Assistant Career
Pros
- Diverse work environments (hospitals, clinics, specialty practices)
- Broader scope of practice with both clinical and administrative duties
- Multiple specialization opportunities (pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, etc.)
- Greater variety in daily tasks and patient conditions
- More transferable skills for advancing into other healthcare careers
- Flexible scheduling with opportunities for evening/weekend shifts
Cons
- Can be more physically demanding with longer hours
- May need to deal with medical emergencies
- Higher stress levels due to complex medical situations
- More extensive continuing education requirements
- Potentially more exposure to infectious diseases
- May require handling blood and various bodily fluids
- More complex medical terminology to master
Pros and Cons of Dental Assistant Career
Pros
- More predictable work schedule (typically regular business hours)
- Focused specialty area with clear career progression
- Generally, less stressful work environment
- Strong job security in the dental industry
- More consistent patient relationships
- Cleaner, more controlled work environment
- Shorter training period for initial certification
Cons
- Limited work environment options (mainly dental offices)
- More restricted scope of practice
- Less variety in daily tasks
- Limited transferability to other healthcare fields
- May require standing for long periods
- Potential exposure to dental materials and X-rays
Why Choose ACC for Your Training?
At American Career College, we are committed to providing quality education that prepares you for success. For more than 45 years, ACC has provided healthcare education to over 70,000 graduates. With hands-on training, flexible schedules, and a supportive learning environment, ACC can help you jump-start your career in healthcare. Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare by exploring ACC's exceptional programs designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel as a Medical Assistant or Dental Assistant.
Ready to Start Your Healthcare Career?
Complete the form to get started today! Our admissions team will contact you promptly to discuss program options, financial aid, and answer any questions you may have about beginning your journey at American Career College.
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
