A dental assistant performs key support to dentists, to help them complete daily activities. Most dental assistants develop skills on the job, but some become qualified through dental-assisting programs. Employment for the field is expected to increase by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The dramatic rise is expected as the employment of assistants allows dentists to spend more time conducting complex work.
General Duties
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Dental assistants give dentists the correct tools during treatment.
Dental assistants are usually employed privately by one dentist or within a practice. They are also employed by public health departments, in dental schools and in clinics and hospitals. Dental assistants are responsible for preparing patients for examination or treatment by a dentist. They also perform key duties during treatment or examination, such as handing the correct tools or materials to the dentists when required. They usually operate a suction hose during treatment to ensure a patient’s mouth is kept dry so the dentist can carry out work successfully. A dental assistant must also ensure that a dental surgery is adequately supplied with core materials and implements and arrange for new stocks to be delivered. They also remove sutures, processes X-ray results under the guidance of a dentist, apply anesthetics to gums or protective chemicals to teeth, and apply dental dams to help isolate teeth for dental procedures
The Essay on United States Dental Dentists Dentistry
Dentistry is the art and science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding soft tissues of the mouth. Dentists care for their patients in many ways, but mainly through their skill at recognizing, correcting, and preventing problems of the teeth and the tissues that support them. Dental treatment includes a wide range of dental services. Some of these ...
Technical Duties
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Dental assistants take X-rays for assessment by a dentist
A dental assistant can operate an X-ray machine to allow the dentist to assess any underlying gum or teeth issues. Dental assistants are also responsible for sterilizing implements and mixing key compounds needed for the filling or cleaning of teeth, as indicated on StateUniversity.com. Dental assistants also work in the laboratory, making cast materials of a patient’s mouth structure needed for teeth restorations or to produce temporary crowns. Dentist assistants are also responsible for cleaning and maintaining any removable equipment
Customer Care
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Dental assistants keep records of appointment times and send invoices to customers
Dental assistants offer advice to patients about dental care and nutritional issues that may be contributing to teeth decay or gum problems, as stated on the Santa Clara County Dental Society website. A dental assistant also collects and documents the health history of registered patients. Dental assistants often counsel patients during invasive procedures to ensure they are comfortable and aware of what is happening. They also play an important administrative role, taking appointment bookings, receiving patients when they first arrive and keeping treatment records. A dental assistant also sends invoices to customers to request payments.
