A dental assistant is an important part of any dental office. These trained assistants help dentists take care of patients, but they do a lot more than that as well. Dental assistants are the main point of contact for patients. If you’ve ever been nervous about your dental appointment, your dental assistant was who probably calmed you down and helped you feel comfortable. Can you imagine yourself working in such an important role? Learn all about what dental assistants do and see what’s possible with dental assistant training.
What Dental Assistants Do
Dental assistants are busy all day long. They have many job tasks, all based around helping dentists take care of patients. A dental assistant’s day includes providing care to patients, updating records, and scheduling appointments. If you were a dental assistant, you could also expect other duties based on your role in the office. Some states also have special rules and requirements that guide what dental assistants can and can’t do.
Dental Assistants Help People Feel Comfortable
One of a dental assistant’s most important jobs is helping patients have a good experience at the dentist. Many people are nervous, worried, or scared of going to the dentist. After all, our mouths are very sensitive. Dental treatment can cause anxiety. Some people dislike going to the dentist so much that they skip appointments. This can lead to cavities and other tooth problems down the road.
A good dental assistant helps patients feel comfortable. Part of this task deals with the physical side of the visit. For example, an assistant can make sure clients are at ease in the dental chair. But it also includes providing them emotional support. A friendly, confident dental assistant creates a good atmosphere as soon as a patient walks in. This can help people feel good about visiting the dentist.
Dental Assistants Prepare For Procedures
Dental assistants help dentists with many procedures. Some tasks are as easy as flossing a patient’s teeth while others, like dental surgery, are more complicated. Dental assistants are responsible for preparing for treatments and procedures.
One aspect of preparation includes gathering the right tools and materials. Dental assistants may need to select dental instruments based on the type of work a patient needs. They might also sterilize instruments and tools so they’re safe to use inside someone’s mouth.
Dental assistants also help patients understand their treatment. They can explain procedures to patients before any work starts. This basic conversation gives patients a chance to ask questions and learn more about their dental care. Dental assistants spend lots of time focusing on patients. Helping people understand dental treatments is just one part of the job.
Dental Assistants Work On Patients
Most dental assistants perform some hands-on procedures directly with patients. Dental assistant training prepares you to handle some tasks entirely on your own. For example, dental assistants often measure a patient’s blood pressure and pulse at the beginning of an appointment. They might also measure blood oxygen levels, depending on what type of work is being done.
Dental assistants can do more independent work in some states than in others. In some areas, dental assistants can take x-rays and perform lab work. Taking x rays is an important task that reveals a lot of information about someone’s dental health. X-rays can catch cavities and other tooth problems before they become serious.
Taking a dental x-ray starts with putting a protective apron over your patient’s body. Next, the dental assistant arranges the x-ray machine, places special x-ray sensors in the patient’s mouth, and takes the x-ray. The assistant then makes sure that the scans are clear and useful for the dentist.
Some dental assistants can do other types of lab work as well. Depending on the state and your dental assistant training, this might include many different tasks. You might take impression molds of a patient’s teeth, prepare materials for crowns, polish teeth, or apply medicine to the surface of teeth and gums.
Dental Assistants Help With Dental Work
Want to learn more about dental assisting in each state? Click here to explore the state dental assistant requirements across the country.
Dental assistants also spend plenty of time helping dentists with procedures. Dental work is very hands-on. Dentists often need their assistants to help by handing them tools, holding instruments in place, and doing other work.
Passing instruments is one important part of helping with dental procedures. When a dentist is working on a patient, their hands are busy. They need a dental assistant to hand them instruments to keep working. Dental assistants need to know about many different tools, including matrix bands, lasers, curing lights, suction hoses, and more.
Dental assistants also help keep patients comfortable during procedures. Assistants can use suction hoses to dry out a patient’s mouth while dental work is being done. Otherwise, saliva will build up awkwardly in a patient’s mouth, making them feel uncomfortable or panicky. A good dental assistant helps people avoid this panicked sensation.
Dental Assistants File Paperwork
Finally, dental assistants help keep their office paperwork in good shape. Every dental visit involves many forms and documentation. Dental assistants help dentists keep records of their work. This paperwork allows a dentist to make long-term plans for each patient.
Dental assistants also do paperwork that helps patients. They might be responsible for submitting documentation to insurance companies. This role is very important because both the patient and the dentist’s office are counting on receiving insurance payments. Dental assistants also help patients schedule future appointments and understand their bills.
Learn More About Becoming A Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are the backbone of any dental office. These professionals work with both dentists and patients to make sure everyone receives the best care. Dentists, patients, and other employees all rely on assistants to make sure the office runs smoothly. This job might seem complicated, but dental assistant training programs can teach you everything you need to know to succeed in the dental field. Curious? Click here to see what’s it like to work in a dentist’s office and learn more.
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, July 13). Dental assistants: What dental assistants do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2
