Dental assistant?

I'm trying to get into the dental or medical field as a new career. I would like to you if a dental assistant would be better than a medical assistant.

Dental assistant?
I am a CDA as well. I was going into the Navy as a Corpsman which is a medical assistant but they did not have any positions open. I was introduced to the dental field instead and I love it. I just got out after being in for 7 and a half years and will soon be working as a CDA in the civilian sector. In the military I was expanded function qualified which means I was able to do everything the dentist did besides prep the tooth. I placed the rubber dam, filled the tooth, took impressions, xrays, and I also cleaned teeth and talked to the patients about their oral health. I am not able to do as much now because of state laws but it is still a great job. I am going to school right now to get my Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene. Just make sure that you are able to deal with working in the mouth. I have seen so many people become dental assistants and later realize they could not deal with spit or teeth that can be rotten. I feel this job is very rewarding and I worked at the front desk for a little(by my choice), but always I assisted the dentist.
Reply:Don't worry I am older as well. I went into the Navy when I was 25 and I am now in college at 32. You will just be more focused on your goal and it will come a little easier I am sure. Good Luck! Report It

Reply:I was 24 when I went into school to become a dental assistant. And as a mother of a 7 year old, I completely felt old compared to all the 18 year olds. I have to say that it was a breath of fresh air to see older adults in my classes. :) Report It

Reply:Hi, I am a CDA, and yes dental assistant will be better than medical assistant and pays more. Dental assistant involves taking X-Rays, setting up for procedures, assisting the dentist in the procedures, and taking impressions. I been a CDA for 7 years now and now am going to dental hyiegine.
Reply:there is no difference between them, because you gonna end up as a secretary in front desk. it's better to look for something serious and don't be a victim of smart names or title for sheep price for 8-10$/HOUR. GOOD LUCK
Reply:Excuse me that's not always true. I'm only a senior in High School and took some courses at Bryman. I'm a Medical Assistant and I LOVE it. I get paid $15.00 an hour and $17.00 on weekend. I work 6 days a week and only 3 hours a day and four weeks in a month (duh!) My check comes out pretty good. It's not whose better than who and so on it's what you want to do. You can tell them you're unsure an experience them both for a while and see which one YOU like most. I want to be a Ped. so o course a Medical assistant is better for me. NO one is better than anyone. Doctors depend on us and dentists depends on you people. My boyfriend is a dentist and they are in high demand he say's as so are med. asst. So, overall health career is great we will always need them both until the end comes. Do what you think is best and as for the whole dental asst. gets paid more as if please. I make more than most of the ones my boyfriend hires.