Dental assistants help make dentists more efficient, and patients more comfortable. They perform a blend of direct patient care and administrative duties. Dental assistants prepare the dental exam room, sterilizing and setting up equipment. During appointments, dental assistants may take x-rays, hand dentists instruments, keep patients’ mouths dry, and teach patients about proper oral hygiene. On the administrative side, they maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and work with patients on billing and payment. Essential skills for dental assistants include detail orientation, finger dexterity, listening, and organization. Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices. They wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves, and follow safety procedures to protect themselves and patients. About one-third of dental assistants work part time. Some work evenings or weekends. Requirements to enter the field differ: some states require graduation from an accredited program, and licensure or certification. Other states have no formal educational requirements, and assistants learn their duties on-the-job.
What they do:
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
On the job, you would:
Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
Record treatment information in patient records.
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
Health
medicine and dentistry
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
put together small parts with your fingers
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Self Control
Concern for Others
You might use software like this on the job:
Medical software
Henry Schein Dentrix
Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
certificate after high school or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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