Work Beside Your Favorite Dentist as a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are individuals who are responsible for providing certain aspects of patient care.  In addition, they perform office duties as well as limited laboratory duties. 

The dental assistant typically works at the side of the dentist as he or she examines and treats patients.  While working alongside the dentist, the dental assistant is responsible for making the patient feel comfortable and for preparing the patient for the treatment that will take place.  The dental assistant also instructs the patient on how to care for his or her mouth after an operation, or provides general advice for oral health care.

The dental assistant also obtains dental records for the dentist and hands instruments and other materials to the dentist as he or she performs procedures.  As the dentist treats the patient, the dental assistant also keeps the patient’s mouth dry and clears away any debris that may accumulate in the mouth by using a suction device.  In addition, the dental assistant sterilizes and disinfects the equipment and instruments before use.  The dental assistant also organizes the equipment on the tray for the dentist.

In some cases, a dental assistant may also prepare the materials necessary for creating impressions and restorations, for taking dental x-rays, and for processing x-ray film.  The dental assistant might also apply anesthetics to the gums, remove sutures, apply cavity-preventing agents, remove excess cement residue creating when the tooth is filled, and put rubber dams on the teeth in order to isolate those in need of treatment.

Dental assistants may also have laboratory duties.  In this case, they make casts of the teeth and of the mouth in order to form impressions.  They may also make temporary crowns and clean and polish removable dental appliances.  In the office, a dental assistant might be responsible for scheduling and confirming patient appointments, maintaining treatment records, greeting patients and checking them in, sending bills, receiving payments, and ordering necessary dental materials and supplies.

For the most part, dental assistants receive on the job training.  Increasingly, dentists are looking for dental assistants who have been trained in dental assisting at a junior or community college, a trade school, in a technical institute, or through the Armed Forces. 

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for dental assistants are expected to grow much faster than the average occupation in the United States.  This is because employers are increasingly providing dental insurance and awareness of the importance of proper dental care is improving. 

The Bureau reports that the median hourly wage of dental assistants in 2004 was $13.62, with the highest 10% earning more than $19.97 per hour.  Full time dental assistants also typically receive good benefits.  According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly all full time dental assistants that are employed by private practitioners receive paid vacation time.  In addition, nine out of ten full time and part time dental assistance receive dental coverage.  The exact benefits a dental assistant receives, however, depends on the individual practice.