Dental Assistant

If the dentist does not have a receptionist, they perform general office tasks: scheduling appointments, preparing bills and receiving payments for dental services, completing insurance forms and maintaining personal and dental records, manually or by using the computer.

Dental assistants pull patient records from the filing system, take and record patients' medical and dental histories and vital signs.

During dental procedures, assistants help patients rinse and clean their mouths and pass instruments to the dentist in the correct sequence. They prepare solutions, filling and impression materials and injections.

Dental assistants ensure good lighting for their dentists by adjusting the light over the patient.

Dental assistants cannot take X-rays but may be responsible for developing and filing them. They instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs, and assist the dentist in managing medical or dental emergencies.

They are in charge of sterilizing instruments and maintaining dental equipment.

They are also responsible for maintaining stock and placing orders with supply houses and other vendors.