Dental Assistant

Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team.

Requirements

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Preparing examination and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and moving equipment into place
• Preventing the spread of infection and disease by maintaining a surgically clean work environment
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following treatment
• Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
• Taking impressions of patient's teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
• Create, send, and track lab cases
• Monitor, order, and maintain budget for dental supplies
• Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
• Assisting in updating and maintaining client dental records/charts
• Maintaining equipment and coordinating any necessary repairs
• Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse as needed
• Providing support to dentists and other staff as needed
• Maintaining OSHA and HIPPA compliance