Dental Assistants
Overview
Dental assistants work alongside dentists to help patients feel comfortable and ensure dental procedures run smoothly. You'll prepare treatment areas, sterilize instruments, take digital x-rays, and assist during procedures by handing tools to the dentist and keeping patients' mouths dry with suction equipment. This role involves teaching patients about proper oral hygiene, scheduling appointments, handling billing, and maintaining patient records using modern dental software. Most dental assistants complete a certificate program and work in collaborative, fast-paced environments where every day brings variety.
Did you know?
Most states require dental assistants to complete accredited training programs and obtain certification or licensure to perform certain duties.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$47,023.33 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Active Listening
Key Responsibilities
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
Career Considerations
State Certification Requirements
Most states require dental assistants to complete accredited training programs and obtain certification or licensure to perform certain duties.
Strong Job Growth Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average employment growth for dental assistants due to an aging population and increased focus on preventive dental care.
Physical and Safety Demands
The role requires prolonged standing, close patient contact, and adherence to strict infection control protocols to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens.