Dental Receptionist/Assistant Salary in Virginia

Dental Hygienist - Average Salary $84,470

Dental Hygienist under the direct supervision of a dentist, cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using dental instruments. Performs routine examination and assessment of dental health. Being a Dental Hygienist feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer. Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease. Additionally, Dental Hygienist provides instruction, guidance, and coaching to patients about methods to improve dental health. May take Radiographs or x-rays. Typically requires an associate degree in dental hygiene. Meets licensing requirements as a dental hygienist for the state. Radiography/x-ray certification per state guidelines. Basic Life Support certification (BLS.) Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Dental Hygienist independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. To be a Dental Hygienist typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

Dental Assistant - Average Salary $47,699

Dental Assistant assists with dental surgical and other procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Prepares patient and arranges instruments and supplies used for procedures. Being a Dental Assistant hands instruments to the dentist and helps during treatment. Ensures all instruments are sterile and follows infection control protocols. Additionally, Dental Assistant records treatment notes and updates patient records. May take and process x-rays. May require an associate degree in dental assisting or equivalent. Has Basic Life Support (BLS) and depending on state, may have licensing requirement. Typically reports to a dentist. The Dental Assistant works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Dental Assistant typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

Aspen Dental Dental Hygienist - Average Salary $84,976

A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional, registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice. Prior to completing clinical and written board examinations, registered dental hygienists must have either an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited college or university. Once registered, hygienists are primary healthcare professionals who work independently of or alongside dentists and other dental professionals to provide full oral health care. They have the training and education that focus on and specialize in the prevention and treatment of many oral diseases. Dental hygienists have a specific scope of clinical procedures they provide to their patients. They assess a patient's condition in order to offer patient-specific preventive and educational services to promote and maintain good oral health. A major role of a dental hygienist is to perform periodontal therapy which includes things such periodontal charting, periodontal debridement (scaling and root planing), prophylaxis (preventing disease) or periodontal maintenance procedures for patients with periodontal disease. The use of therapeutic methods assists their patients in controlling oral disease, while providing tailored treatment plans that emphasize the importance of behavioral changes . Some dental hygienists are licensed to administer local anesthesia and perform dental radiography. Dental hygienists are also the primary resource for oral cancer screening and prevention. In addition to these procedures, hygienists may take intraoral radiographs, apply dental sealants, administer topical fluoride, and provide patient-specific oral hygiene instruction.

Dental Coordinator - Average Salary $47,782

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Dental Receptionist - Average Salary $40,443

A receptionist is an employee taking an office or administrative support position. The work is usually performed in a waiting area such as a lobby or front office desk of an organization or business. The title receptionist is attributed to the person who is employed by an organization to receive or greet any visitors, patients, or clients and answer telephone calls. The term front desk is used in many hotels for an administrative department where a receptionist's duties also may include room reservations and assignment, guest registration, cashier work, credit checks, key control as well as mail and message service. Such receptionists are often called front desk clerks. Receptionists cover many areas of work to assist the businesses they work for, including setting appointments, filing, record keeping, and other office tasks.