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Dental Assistant Job Description

A dental assistant aids a dentist in carrying out his/her work by providing a variety of services and performing a number of duties, which may include clerical, medical and customer service tasks.

Dental Assistant Job Duties:

If you are interested in the field of dentistry but do not wish to become a dentist, a job as a dental assistant might appeal to you. Alternatively this position could be an excellent training ground while you are studying to become a dentist. Assistants find work at private offices, hospitals and clinics and often work part time at more than one place.

Duties include:

1) Preparing a patient and dentist’s work area for treatment, including sterilising and adjusting equipment and keeping records or tests readily available.

2) Handing the dentist appropriate tools and operating the suction hose that keeps patients’ mouths dry during procedures.

3) Maintaining patient’s dental records including recording patient’s prior medical history that may be relevant.

4) Organising appointment schedules, preparing bills, receiving payments and completing paper work such as insurance forms.

5) Performing peripheral tasks for the dentist such as taking teeth impressions, cleaning teeth, preparing various compounds required in dental treatment, applying protective coats on teeth, taking x-rays, cleaning removable appliances, making temporary crowns, removing stitches and various other activities as and when required.

6) Carrying out post operative procedures.

7) Instructing patients on dental hygiene and post operative care.

8) Stocking and ordering supplies.

9) Assisting the dentist with dental and medical emergencies.

Dental Assistant Knowledge and Skills:

1) Ability to operate equipment in the dentist’s office such as sanitizers and dry heat ovens.

2) Good interpersonal skills to make patients comfortable and to interact with them over the phone.

3) Good observation skills to anticipate what the dentist needs during procedures.

Dental Assistant Educational Qualifications and Experience:

1) A high school diploma will usually suffice, but additional training is advantageous.

2) A Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) qualification, offered by the Dental Assisting National Board is often favoured.

3) Usually 1 to 3 years experience is sufficient but additional experience is usually commensurate with higher salaries.

4) X-Ray licence, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Coronal Polishing Certifications are beneficial.

Dental Assistant Salary and Benefits:

1) The hourly pay rates are between $11 and $17, while overtime rates range from $15 to $25. Average dental assistant salaries are usually $20,000 to $40,000 per year.

2) Dental assistant benefits vary from organisation to organisation but could include 401(k), paid sick leave and vacation and education reimbursement.