Posts Tagged ‘what does a dental assistant do’
A dental assistant helps dentists and hygienists with everything from equipment and X-rays to keeping the patient comfortable. Here are some of the most common day-to-day duties.
- Prepare patients for treatments and procedures
- Prepare dental instruments for procedures, making sure they’re sterile and organized.
- Assist dentists by handing them instruments during procedures.
- Process X-rays and do lab tasks under the direction of a dentist.
- Keep records of dental treatments.
Find out more about dental assistant programs at Everest College.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Posted on: August 20, 2011
Being a dental assistant is a great career choice for many people. Often, the hours are flexible, working conditions excellent, and market demand strong.*
If you are considering a career as a dental assistant, you may be wondering: Exactly what do dental assistants do? In general, dental assistants either work directly with dentists who treat patients, work in dental laboratories, or support office operations.
Some dental assistants may work in multiple areas. Below is a list of some common dental assistant duties.
Working with Patients
- Sterilize and lay out dental instruments
- Take and process X-rays
- Remove sutures
- Apply anesthetics and anti-cavity agents to teeth
Managing the Office
- Answer phones and set appointments
- Greet patients and process client info
- Manage patient files
- Process payments and issue invoices
Lab Work
- Make plaster casts
- Clean and polish mouth guards, dentures and other removable appliances
- Performing orthodontic measurements
Training for a dental assistant career at Everest can often be completed in under a year. Contact us to learn more about our Dental Assistant career training programs.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos163.htm)
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