What Does a Dental Assistant Do? A Comprehensive Look
A career in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, and dental assisting is no exception. Dental assistants are integral members of the dental care team who perform a wide variety of tasks, from direct patient care to administrative duties. If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, it’s important to understand exactly what the job entails.
Overview of Dental Assisting
Dental assistants are vital in ensuring that dental offices run smoothly and efficiently. Their roles and responsibilities can vary significantly depending on the specific office, state regulations, and whether they have any specializations. However, all dental assistants work under the direction of a dentist to provide patient care, keep records, and perform other tasks necessary for the effective operation of a dental practice.
Clinical Responsibilities
Dental assistants play a crucial role in patient care. They’re often responsible for preparing patients for treatments and procedures, which can involve calming nervous patients and explaining what will happen during the procedure. Some of their key clinical duties can include:
Assisting the dentist during procedures
Dental assistants are often the dentist’s “extra pair of hands” during treatments. They may hand instruments to the dentist, use suction devices to keep the patient’s mouth dry, or apply dental dams to isolate the treatment area.
Sterilizing dental instruments and equipment
One critical role of a dental assistant is to ensure that all dental instruments and equipment are properly sterilized to prevent infection. This involves knowledge of sterilization techniques and guidelines to ensure patient and staff safety.
Taking dental radiographs (X-rays)
Dental assistants may be responsible for taking dental X-rays, a key part of many dental examinations. They must understand how to use X-ray equipment and follow safety procedures to protect themselves and their patients from unnecessary radiation.
Performing basic lab tasks
Depending on their training and the laws in their state, dental assistants may also perform certain lab tasks, like making casts of teeth or temporary crowns.
Teaching patients about oral hygiene
Dental assistants also play a significant role in patient education, teaching patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, such as correct brushing and flossing methods, and providing other preventative dental care information.
Administrative Responsibilities
Beyond their clinical duties, dental assistants also perform numerous administrative tasks. They help ensure the smooth operation of the dental office, allowing the dentist to focus on patient care. Some of their administrative responsibilities might include:
- Scheduling patient appointments: Dental assistants may manage patient appointments, ensuring that the dentist’s schedule is well-organized and efficiently managed.
- Maintaining patient records: Accurate record-keeping is a crucial task. Dental assistants might update and maintain patient records, including updating medical history and recording treatments provided during the patient’s visit.
- Billing and payment processing: Some dental assistants may handle billing and payment processes. They may prepare and send invoices, process payments, and follow up on outstanding accounts.
- Ordering dental supplies and materials: Dental assistants can also be responsible for inventory management, ensuring that the dental office is well-stocked with the necessary supplies and equipment.
Career Prospects and Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health to overall health will continue to spur demand for preventive dental services, which are often provided by dental assistants.
Start Your Journey with 90 Day Dental Assistant
If you’re considering a career as a dental assistant, you’ll need a quality education to prepare you for the demands of the job. At 90 Day Dental Assistant, we offer a comprehensive online dental assistant program that equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this rewarding field. Our curriculum covers all the vital aspects of dental assisting, both clinical and administrative, allowing our students to get a comprehensive understanding of their future roles.
We don’t just focus on the basics, either. Our program delves into the specifics of various dental procedures, patient care techniques, and the use of state-of-the-art dental technology. This depth of knowledge, combined with our commitment to flexible, self-paced learning, ensures that our students are well-prepared for their future career as dental assistants.
Furthermore, our commitment to our students doesn’t end with the completion of the course. We offer assistance with resume writing and job placement, including coordination for externships. We’re proud to say that our students have a 98% success rate of finding a career after completion of our program.
Becoming a dental assistant offers a rewarding career where you can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives. By helping to keep dental offices running smoothly and contributing to the oral health of patients, dental assistants are indispensable members of the dental care team.
If you’re ready to embark on your dental assisting journey, 90 Day Dental Assistant is here to guide you every step of the way. Enroll now, and open the door to a fulfilling and successful career.