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A dental assistant provides support services under the direction of a dentist and
other dental care team members. Responsibilities of a dental assistant can vary
and may include basic office duties, assisting patients with their comfort levels,
cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing instruments, equipment, and counter
surfaces, preparing materials, drugs and medication for use in dental procedures,
chairside assisting, processing x-rays, etc. Dental assistants may also chart
dental records at the direction of a dentist, take impressions of diagnostic
models, instruct patients on oral hygiene, pour impressions and perform other minor
laboratory procedures. With additional training that is approved by a state dental
board, dental assistants may take dental x-rays. Dental assistants often work in
dental offices. However, hospitals and public health departments also employee
these individuals.
In terms of education, this position requires a minimum of a high school diploma
or GED. Dental assistants can be trained by dentists and/or complete a one or two
year dental assisting program at either a vocational school or technical college
and receive either a certificate, diploma or associate?s degree. Individuals may
also become certified dental assistants by completing an examination administered
by the Dental Assisting National Board.
For additional information on dental assisting as a career, please visit the
American Dental Association.
Please use the links provided below to learn more about specific educational programs
pertaining to this field.
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