What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant works at a dentist’s office where they perform a variety of tasks, including caring for patients, scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records, and cleaning dental tools. He or she works under the supervision of a dentist. Dental assistants also work closely with dental hygienists. While what a dental assistant is looks pretty similar across the country, dental assistants’ exact duties may vary by state or by dentist’s office.^[1] Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices, though a very small number also works in other physicians’ offices or for the government.^[2]

Dental Assistant Job Description & Duties

If you are interested in enrolling in a dental assistant program, you probably want to know what exactly the job entails. Dental assistants undertake a mix of administrative and clinical duties. The scope of their responsibilities is wide-ranging, although they may be limited depending on the state where they work. During dental procedures, dental assistants wear safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to safeguard themselves and other patients from infections. Furthermore, dental assistants are required to follow strict safety rules to reduce the risks associated with x-ray machines. Below is a selection of typical dental assistant duties:

• Scheduling appointments for patients
• Asking patients about their medical history
• Taking patients vital signs
• Assisting the dentist during dental treatment
• Instructing patients in oral hygiene and plaque control
• Ordering dental supplies and equipment inventory
• Cleaning teeth with dental instruments
• Cleaning and polishing removable appliances
• Exposing dental diagnostic x-rays
• Creating and fitting orthodontic appliances and materials like retainers, wires, or bands
• Preparing bills and completing insurance forms^[3]

Specialized Dental Assistant Duties

In select states, dental assistants may also assume more specialized duties. Below is and overview of which specialized duties are permitted to be performed by dental assistants in Illinois and Missouri, the two states where Midwest Technical Institute offers dental assisting training.^[4][5] However, it is important to note that some of these duties require additional training.

	Illinois	Missouri
Coronal polishing	Yes	Yes
Sealant application	Yes	Yes
Fluoride application	Yes	Yes
Topical anesthetic application	No	Not specified

Where Do Dental Assistants Work?

While the vast majority of dental assistants are employed by dentists, some also work in other industries. As per the United States of Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS), dental assistants work in the following sectors:

• Office of Dentists
• Offices of Physicians
• Outpatients Care Centers
• Federal Executive Branch
• State Government
• Employment Services
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools^[6]

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

The day of a dental assistant may start with preparing the examination rooms and the dental equipment. This may include sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, or arranging materials. When the first patients are arriving at the dentist’s office for their dental exam or treatment, dental assistants might take and record their medical and dental histories. They might also measure their vital signs. Once the patient is being treated, the dental assistant typically helps the dentist by, for example, handing him or her instruments.

Moreover, dental assistants often provide postoperative instructions, as prescribed by the dentist, to the patient. They may also teach the patient about oral hygiene and plaque control to help him or her improve oral health. In some instances, it is up to the dental assistant to explain medical information to the patient. Another part of a dental assistant’s workday can consists of producing patient-assistive devices or device models, and fitting them for the patient. Dental assistants also operate medical equipment, including radiography (x-ray) machines.

A typical workday for dental assistants often includes various administrative tasks. They schedule appointments, prepare medical bills, receive insurance payments, process insurance forms, and maintain patient records. They may also conduct inventory counts and order supplies if need be. Overall, dental assistants spend the majority of their day interacting with others, frequently in close proximity. They are working with other members of the dentist’s office and care for the dentist’s patients.

Dental assistants certainly enhance the efficacy of a dentist’s office and improve the quality of care. Since this is a very people-oriented profession, it is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with others and have strong communication skills.

Learn more about how to become a dental assistant.