Dental assistant

A Dental assistant is a member of the dental team who assists the dentist in various procedures. They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of the dentist's office and are responsible for a variety of tasks, ranging from patient care to administrative duties.

Roles and Responsibilities

Dental assistants are involved in a wide range of tasks in a dental office, including:

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Taking and developing dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse
• Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
• Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
• Communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies)

Education and Training

The education and training requirements for dental assistants vary by location and by the duties the assistant is expected to perform. In some areas, there are no formal education requirements and dental assistants learn their duties on the job. In other areas, dental assistants must complete a formal education program and may need to pass a licensing exam.

Employment and Salary

Dental assistants work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, hospitals, and public health clinics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2019.

See Also

• Dental hygienist
• Dental technician
• Dental therapist

References

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