A dental assistant has many duties that they are responsible for performing in the dentist’s office. Their responsibilities include everything from caring for patients to taking care of daily office duties. They sometimes even work in the laboratory assisting the dentist. Most people confuse them with a dental hygienist however they are two completely different jobs. Dental hygienists are licensed and able to perform many procedures independently while assistants must work with patients only under the close supervision of the dentist.
Most of the duties of a dental professional can be learned through on the job training, however in some instances there are training programs available at community colleges or trade schools. Specific requirements and licensing varies from state to state. Anyone interested in pursuing this career would benefit from taking courses in areas of science including biology, chemistry, and health. High school students can even work through co-op programs to start gaining training and experience as a dental assistant.
One interesting aspect of a career as a dental professional is that the daily duties are always changing. While some days you may spend most of the time updating patient records and booking appointments, the very next day you could spend all of your time working directly in the exam room. While dentists are performing procedures dental assistants work alongside them assisting in sterilizing and prepping equipment, handing them needed instruments, and instructing patients on proper oral healthcare practices. A dental assistant can work directly with patients helping them feel more at ease in the sometimes scary dentist’s chair. This is especially important for children who may be visiting the dentist for the very first time! Dental assistants can help reassure these apprehensive patients and reward them for being so brave with small toy of sticker.