Dental Assistant
A dental assistant plays a crucial role in the dental healthcare team, supporting dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons in various tasks related to patient care and office management. Their responsibilities include preparing examination rooms, assisting during procedures by handing over tools, suctioning, and taking X-rays, as well as educating patients on post-treatment care. Dental assistants may also be involved in constructing dental appliances like crowns and dentures and maintaining patient records, including scheduling and billing tasks.
This occupation typically requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a background in health sciences. Dental assistants work in clean, well-equipped settings, often collaborating closely with patients and other healthcare professionals. Education pathways usually involve completing a certificate or associate's degree in dental assisting, and some states may have certification requirements. With various specializations available, dental assistants can focus on areas such as pediatric dentistry or oral surgery, making this a dynamic and essential role in the dental field.
Dental Assistant
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Science, communicating with others, caring for patients, working with one's hands, keeping records
Earnings (Yearly Median): $44,820 per year $21.55 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 7% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award; varies by state
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Dental assistants are responsible for assisting dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists with patient care, equipment and exam room setup and care, and record keeping. During an exam or procedure, a dental assistant may hand tools or materials to the dentist, suction the patient’s mouth, tighten or repair braces, operate the x-ray machine, take before and after dental work photographs, stay with the patient until the numbing process is complete or the patient wakes from sedation, or make notes in the patient’s record. In addition, dental assistants assist dentists, orthodontists, and dental laboratory technicians with the construction of orthodontic appliances, crowns, full dentures, partial dentures, or veneers. Dental assistants may specialize in general, pediatric, or trauma dentistry, as well as orthodontics, oral surgery, or dental laboratory work.
Work Environment. Dental assistants spend their workdays sitting and standing in dental offices, orthodontic offices, oral surgery offices, and dental laboratories. Dental offices and laboratories tend to be clean, well-lit, well-ventilated, and temperature-controlled environments. Dental assistants generally work forty-hour weeks but may be required to work more during periods of increased business or emergencies. Both full-time and part-time employment opportunities are available in this occupation.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the dental assistant field tend to be intelligent and detail-oriented. Successful dental assistants display traits such as strong interpersonal and effective time management skills. Dental assistants should enjoy working closely with others, be interested in health or science, and have a strong background in patient care and dental record keeping.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A dental assistant spends most of their day providing patient care alongside a dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon. Prior to a patient appointment, the dental assistant sterilizes the exam or procedure room and dental equipment and prepares the dental instrument tray. They greet each patient in the waiting room, bring the patient to the exam or procedure room, and obtain the patient’s dental history and vital signs. Where permitted, a dental assistant may take and process X-rays of the patient’s teeth, mouth, or surrounding jaw structure. During the exam or procedure, the dental assistant may assist the dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon by applying numbing cream to the patient’s gum and tooth area as directed, handing over tools and materials, and vacuuming saliva or blood to keep the patient’s mouth dry. A dental assistant may also make dental molds or impressions, mix cements and putties used for fillings, or assist in the construction of orthodontic appliances, crowns, bridges, ceramics, partial dentures, or full dentures. After an exam or procedure, the dental assistant instructs the patient on proper postexam or postprocedure dental care and about proper brushing and flossing techniques to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
Dental assistants perform some administrative duties as well. They record current and future treatment in patient charts, take before and after photographs for patient files, and help with patient scheduling, billing, and general clerical work as required. They may also be responsible for maintaining supply inventory and placing orders. In addition, all dental assistants are responsible for educating themselves about and complying with the administrative, physical, and technical patient privacy safeguards included in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The immediate physical environment of dental assistants varies based on their employer and specialization. Dental assistants spend their workdays in dental offices, orthodontic offices, oral surgery offices, and dental laboratories. To minimize potential exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, and mercury, dental assistants wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves.
Human Environment. Dental assistants interact with patients, dental laboratory technicians, dental hygienists, and office staff. They work under the direction of a supervising dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon. Dental assistants must be comfortable working in very close physical proximity to patients and dentists during exams and procedures.
Technological Environment. A dental assistant’s tools may include sterilizers or autoclaves, amalgamators, aspirators, dental or orthodontic pliers, tongue forceps, molar clamps, rubber dams, X-ray machines, cameras, water sprays, and cheek and tongue retractors. Materials used in laboratory work include powdered plaster and cements, mercury (in some cases), disinfectants, and waxes. In addition, dental assistants use computers, Internet communication tools, phones, billing and scheduling software, spreadsheets, photocopiers, and fax machines to fulfill administrative duties.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as a dental assistant should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school–level study of biology, chemistry, anatomy, health, computer science, communications, and mathematics will provide a strong foundation for work as a dental assistant or college-level work in the field. Due to the diversity of dental assistant responsibilities, high school students interested in this occupation may benefit from seeking internships or part-time jobs that expose the students to dental or medical settings and procedures.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming dental assistants should work toward a certificate or an associate’s degree in that field, dental technology, clinical sciences, or a related field. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) has approved many dental-assisting training programs that can be completed in one year. These training programs instruct students in subject areas such as dental materials, tools and techniques, pharmacology, dental anatomy, and radiology. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches by securing co-ops or part-time employment in dental or medical settings. While some states may require prospective dental assistants to pass an exam, others have no requirements.
Related Occupations
− Dental Laboratory Technician
− Health Information Technician
Bibliography
"Dental Assistants." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.