Whats the job description for a dental assistant?
The purpose of dental assisting is to perform routine tasks that require only minimal dental training in order to free a dentist to focus only on patient care. Professionals in the field are typically referred to as dental assistants.Types of DutiesDental assisting may involve a variety of duties such as setting up examining rooms, sterilizing instruments, passing the dentist tools during procedures, administering and developing X-rays and making plaster impressions of patients’ teeth. Assistants may also answer phones, set appointments, order and unpack supplies and escort patients to examining rooms.EducationThe field of dental assisting requires postsecondary education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation approves a number of one-year certificate and two-year associate degree programs for would-be assistants.LicensureMany states regulate the field of dental assisting by limiting the types of duties assistants can preform. Some states require assistants to gain state licensure thr