What is a Dental Assistant?
Roberts: A dental assistant is an employee of a dental office or clinic who assists the dentist. An assistant may be a business office assistant or a clinical chairside assistant. In some offices, one assistant serves as both a business assistant and a … Medical emergencies in the dental office Sep 01, 2000; Gresko, Sarah L … Upon completion of this course the reader should be able to: 1. Describe an office protocol to be used in an emergency situation. 2. Recognize the symptoms of a medical emergency. 3. Describe the steps followed in the initial assessment of a medical emergency …. Dry mouth symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome Sep 01, 2000; Anonymous … sa-li-va n. A slightly alkalin secretion of water, mucin protein, salts and often a starch-splitting enzyme secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested foods and often begins the breakdown of starches. Sjogren’s (SHOW-grens) syndrome is an autoimmune disease … Latex allergy: Ignorance and avoidance are not blis
A dental assistant is generally an entry-level employee who works closely with a professional dentist. A dental assistant’s duties may include organizing appointments, sterilizing and arranging instruments, escorting patients, taking X-Rays and performing routine clerical work. Many high school vocational programs offer training to become a dental assistant, although formal education is not always a requirement. Some dentists will train a dental assistant on the job. The responsibilities of a dental assistant can vary from office to office. Many states require additional certification and training before a dental assistant can operate an x-ray machine, for example. In general, a dental assistant is not authorized to perform any surgical procedures on a patient. In most cases, an effective dental assistant acts as an extra pair of hands for the dentist during a procedure, suctioning excess saliva or providing instruments perhaps. Cleanings are often handled by trained dental hygienists,
The dental assistant is an important member of the dental health care team. The dental assistant is directly involved in patient care, such as reducing patient anxiety; taking and developing x-rays; preparing and sterilizing dental instruments; mixing dental materials; and exchanging instruments to the dentist at chairside during procedures. Other duties as a business assistant include controlling appointments; communicating on the phone; coordinating financial arrangements with patients and handling insurance claims. The Alternative Dental Assisting Program (ADAP) provides the required education and clinical experience in order to be eligible for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in New York State as a Certified Licensed Dental Assistant.
Dental Assistants work as an indispensible partner to the dentist, assisting him/her with each chairside procedure. These procedures are many and varied, and the profession appeals to people who enjoy working with people and the sciences. The dental assistant participates in chairside procedures, dental office management, infection control procedures, laboratory functions, and takes x-rays.
A dental assistant may be trained to aid dentists at the chair side, clean instruments and the work area, and perform laboratory procedures, such as helping in construction of dentures and models of the teeth and mouth. A high school diploma or equivalent, a certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school), an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school), or on-the-job training by the employer are all pathways to becoming a dental assistant. Click on the links below for more information about dental assisting and choosing the right school for earning your education.
