Prepare patients, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures.
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
Record treatment information in patient records.
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
Clean and polish removable appliances.
Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts
Daily Job Activities of Dental Assistants
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Tools Dental Assistants Routinely Use
Dental dam supplies — Molar clamps; Rubber dam forceps; Rubber dam punches; Rubber dams
Medical software — Henry Schein Dentrix software; Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS; Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft; The Systems Workplace TDOCS
