Dental Assistant

What is a dental assistant? A dental assistant has been said by many in the profession to be the dentists' right arm. The dental assistant wears many hats, and a good dental assistant in invaluable to the practice. A poor dental assistant, as with any other non-productive team member, is a liability.

Dental Assistant Education

What makes a great dental assistant? A great dental assistant goes above and beyond, to be the very best he or she can be. A great dental assistant is hungry for knowledge, and attends continuing education courses to stay abreast of the latest trends and technology. He or she recognizes the value of being a team player, and never waits to be asked for assistance, but is always ready, willing, and able to help.

Duties of a Dental Assistant

What are some of the duties of a dental assistant?

• Assists dentist with dental procedures, transferring instruments from tray to dentist
• Prepares dental materials for fillings, cements, impression materials etc.
• Fabrication of temporary crowns and bridges, whitening trays, etc.
• Assists dentist in charting existing treatment and treatment needed in patient's record
• Patient management during procedure
• Taking, developing, and mounting x-rays
• Set up of treatment rooms prior to dental procedures on patients
• Break down and sterilization of treatment rooms following procedures on patients
• Sterilization of instruments and dental equipment
• Prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Updating patients' medical history
• Patient education on procedures needed
• Liaison with dental lab
• Managing and controlling dental supply inventory
• Assists hygienist when necessary
• Taking Impressions

Characteristics of a GREAT Dental Assistant

Some of the characteristics that make for a great dental assistant are a sincere desire to make a difference for others, people person, enjoys working with hands, creativity, excellent communication skills, attentive to detail, organized, empathetic, good listener, calming demeanor, loyal and dependable.

Career as a Dental Assistant

A career as a dental assistant will bring with it many rewards. Some of these are:

• Prestige
• Respect
• Sense of helping others
• Financial security
• Ability to work anywhere in the world
• Free or reduced dental fees for employee and family
• Free or reduced fees by dental specialists for employee and family
• Flexible schedules in some positions
• Off on weekends usually
• Off on holidays always
• Free or reduced cost of continuing education
• Free or reduced cost of business apparel needed for the position
• Opportunity for advancement

Career in Dentistry

Dental careers are very affordable, and the rewards are many. Healthcare is the leading industry in the world today. Millions of people everywhere require dental care, so a career in dentistry will help insure peace of mind and provide financial support for you and your family for many years to come. A career in dentistry will never go out of style or out of date.

There are numerous schools and universities all over the USA and the world to provide training and education necessary to embark on a career as a dental assistant. It is possible to be crossed trained for a career in dentistry. Some prefer to learn the technical side first, and then move to the administrative side later on. Dental assistants make the very best dental front office professionals, so the possibility for advancement is unlimited!

Whatever you decide, a dental career has a great deal to offer in the way of return on your investment.