Almost all dental assistants work in dentist’s offices. These businesses are medical facilities full of specialized equipment, exam chairs, waiting areas, and more. A dentist’s office is similar to most medical offices or clinics you’ve visited before. Most dental assistant training programs make sure to give students practical experience in dental clinics. What’s it like to work in a dentist’s office? Let’s learn more about dental practices and other places where dental assistants usually work.
What Is A Dentist’s Office Like?
A dental office is a medical facility. Like many other medical businesses, a dentist’s office has separate spaces for patients, exams, lab work, administration, and staff.
When patients walk in the front door, they’ll find a waiting room and a reception desk. In some offices, dental assistants take turns working on the front desk with everyone else. Desk duties can involve greeting patients and checking them in, handling forms, answering the phone, and calling patients when it’s their turn.
Exam rooms are further inside the dentist’s office building. A door might separate the waiting area from the exam spaces. Patients stay in an exam room for their appointment. These rooms include a reclining dental chair where the patients sit. There will also be chairs for the dentist, dental assistants, and other staff. Most offices also have a seat for parents and other family members to watch the appointment.
Dental exam rooms also include plenty of equipment and tools. Dental assistants might work with cleaning wands, suction tubes, lasers, x-rays, and other machines during their normal day. All of this equipment is kept in exam spaces so it’s easy to access.
There are also some spaces in a dentist’s office that are just for staff. Dental assistants can prep equipment, run tests, and more in lab spaces. Dentists might have a private office, and there is usually a break room or kitchen as well.
Where Do Dental Assistants Work?
Almost all dental assistants work in a dentist’s office. In 2020, this is where 90% of dental assistants worked. Since assistants focus on helping dentists and treating patients, it’s no surprise that most of them work in a dental office.
However, a few dental assistants do work in other places as well. Doctor’s offices and government facilities also hire dental assistants from time to time. A dental assistant could find work in a large doctor’s office, especially if there’s also a dentist on staff. Government facilities such as public health clinics and prisons also hire dental assistants.
What Do Dental Assistants Wear?
Dental assistants dress like nurses and other medical professionals. If you spend all day working on people’s mouths, you’ll need protection from bodily fluids and potential diseases. Dental assistants wear protective clothing such as scrubs or lab coats while working on patients. Some dental offices have a uniform so all staff wears the same thing.
You’ll also wear other kinds of protective gear. Dental assistants wear gloves, surgical masks, and safety glasses for most procedures. You might also wear a face shield or other equipment.
Some types of tasks require special safety gear as well. Many dental assistants work with x-rays. X-ray machines are safe when used properly so it’s important to wear protective gear. You might have a special coat to wear when taking x-rays.
Dental assistants can wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Clogs, athletic shoes, and non-slip shoes are very popular among medical professionals because they hold up to the job. These shoes keep your feet and back comfortable while providing traction all day long.
What Kind Of Business Is A Dentist’s Office?
Many dentist’s offices are actually small businesses. If a dentist is in practice by themselves, this means that only one dentist works at that company. The dentist will hire a staff of dental assistants, hygienists, and possibly administrative assistants to help them treat patients.
Dentists can also work in a practice together. In this arrangement, multiple dentists operate out of the same office. These practices might have senior dentists, who are in charge, and associate dentists with less seniority. Such offices tend to be larger and employ more people. However, a dental practice rarely has more than 50 employees.
What Is The Work/Life Balance For A Dental Assistant?
Most dental assistants work full-time, or 40 hours a week. Dental assistants have a pretty good work-life balance. After you finish dental assistant training, you can look for jobs with a standard 9-5 schedule. This solid schedule can help dental assistants plan for the rest of their lives, including errands, seeing friends, childcare, family responsibilities, and more.
However, you can also find dental assistant jobs with other schedules. Some dentist’s offices are open on evenings and weekends. This availability makes it easier for some patients to make an appointment. Dental assistants are needed to work these hours as well.
What’s The Vibe In A Dentist’s Office?
Since most dentist’s offices are small businesses, the staff all work closely together. Dental assistants spend all workday with the same team. Offices can form tight bonds and close relationships.
Dental work is an interesting mix of routine tasks and new challenges. Services such as teeth cleanings are fairly similar from patient to patient. More involved procedures like pulling teeth or filling cavities can offer a different experience every time. Becoming a dental assistant is a great choice for people who enjoy reliable routines as well as unique tasks.
Dental assistants also spend most of their time working with patients. The best assistants love talking to people, making connections, and helping patients feel their best.
Is Dental Assistant A Dangerous Job?
Dental assisting is a safe job in many ways. Assistants work inside and can spend much of their time sitting down. This offers protection from the elements as well as back and foot strain. However, they’re not stuck at a desk all day, either. Dental assistants frequently move around while performing lab work or helping with procedures. This movement helps avoid repetitive stress injuries often seen by desk workers.
However, there are some slight risks to being a dental assistant. Some of the equipment can be dangerous if misused. Lasers, x-rays, and sharp instruments can all be a hazard. Dental assistants are also exposed to saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. Dental assistant training includes lots of safety skills to avoid these risks.
Learn More About Dental Assistants
A dentist’s office is a fast-paced medical environment that offers a great blend of challenges and routines. Dental assistants are an important part of any office. Without assistants, dentists couldn’t treat patients or help people with their teeth. How do you become a dental assistant? Click here to learn more about training programs that can get you started.
References
United States Department Of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.) Dentistry – Overview. https://www.osha.gov/dentistry
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, July 13). Dental assistants: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-3
