- Clinical Duties: Prepare treatment rooms, seat and prep patients, mix dental materials, and assist with procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques.
- Sterilization: Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments, equipment, and treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations.
- Imaging: Take and develop diagnostic digital X-rays and dental radiographs.
- Patient Care: Educate patients on oral hygiene, provide pre- and post-operative instructions, and ensure patient comfort.
- Administrative Duties: Schedule appointments, update patient records, manage inventory, and handle billing.
- Laboratory Functions: Fabricate temporary crowns and custom impressions from impressions. Monster +10
Job Requirements
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent,
with many states requiring completion of an accredited dental assisting program.
- Certification: Dental x-ray certification/license is generally required, alongside BLS/CPR certification.
- Skills: Robust communication, attention to detail, proficiency with dental software, and ability to multitask. Monster +5
Work Environment
Dental assistants often work in general dental practices or specialty clinics, involving close contact with patients and dentists throughout the day.