What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant helps a dentist in an office or in a dental laboratory with appliances and dental devices. Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and assist them with maintaining dental appliances and making patients feel comfortable during procedures.

The purpose of a dental assistant is to put patients at ease before, during and after a dental procedure. Dental assistants may sterilize dental appliances, fill out patient records, hand instruments to dentists during a procedure and assist patients after to clean their mouths and understand the required follow up steps.

The more technical work of dental assistants includes gathering and preparing materials and tools for dental restorations and creating dental impressions. Taking dental X-rays and removing sutures may also be a small job description. When a dental assistant works in a dental lab, duties may involve creating restorative materials such as temporary crowns and ordering dental tools and/or supplies.

Dental assistants also keep dental records and paperwork in order. Gathering important information, documenting dental records, keeping track of X-rays and maintaining billing details may be more duties, depending on the dental office. Contacting dental insurance companies may also be part of the job if a billing clerk is not present in the office.

Skilled dental assistants allow dentists to concentrate on more specialized tasks. Many assistants receive on-the-job training. However, undergoing a dental assisting program can increase the chances of finding employment. Dental assisting programs are provided by a variety of educational venues, including community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools.