What does a dental assistant do? The typical roles of a dental assistant can change depending on where they work, and every day on the job presents new and exciting challenges. On a typical day, a dental assistant can be responsible for a variety of clinical functions, but mainly provides support to both the dentist and dental hygienists.
Not usually responsible for patient care, dental assistants tend to focus more of their efforts on keeping things running efficiently and productively in the office. Dental assistants usually sterilize instruments, set up instrument trays, and assist during dental procedures. Some of the major procedures dental assistants may have the opportunity to assist in include:
Root canals
Bridges
Extractions
Caps
Crowns
The dental assistant training that most dental assistants go through can teach them how to interact with patients and how to offer patients the follow-up care and information they need upon leaving the dental office. This could also include making phone calls to ensure patients are recovering as they should after a procedure.
What You Can Expect as a Dental Assistant
While it is nearly impossible to predict what a dental assistant will be doing on any given day, it is that versatility that makes them such an integral professional in dentist offices. As technology continues to change, the specific roles and duties of a dental assistant may change accordingly. It is important for professionals in this field to continue their training in the field by attending workshops, seminars or by enrolling in dental assistant programs.