Picture this: You’re part of a dynamic healthcare team, working alongside dentists to provide essential oral healthcare services. Your skilled hands and attention to detail help ensure patients receive the best possible care while feeling comfortable and at ease.
Think about the last time you visited a dentist. The person who prepared you for the procedure, took X-rays, and assisted during treatment was likely a dental assistant. These professionals are the backbone of dental practices, combining clinical expertise with patient care skills.
Dental Assistants perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist, such as equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures.
They may also perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Total Employment: 370,690 (2023)
Common Names for Dental Assistants
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant (DA)
- Expanded Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
- Oral Surgery Assistant
- Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant)
- Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Surgical Dental Assistant
What Dental Assistants Do
Dental Assistants perform a wide range of clinical and administrative duties including:
- Patient Care Preparation: Prepare patients for dental procedures by welcoming them, taking vital signs, and ensuring their comfort, which helps create a positive healthcare experience and reduces anxiety.
- Chairside Assistance: Support dentists during procedures by handing instruments, managing suction devices, and anticipating needs, enabling efficient and effective dental treatments.
- Sterilization Management: Clean, sterilize, and organize dental instruments and equipment following strict protocols to maintain infection control standards and ensure patient safety.
- Administrative Support: Schedule appointments, maintain patient records, and process insurance claims to ensure smooth office operations and proper documentation of patient care.
- X-Ray Procedures: Position patients and equipment for dental radiographs, following safety protocols to provide dentists with necessary diagnostic images while protecting patient safety.
- Treatment Room Management: Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, ensuring supplies are stocked and equipment is ready for each procedure to enable uninterrupted patient care.
- Patient Education: Guide patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and post-procedure care, helping them maintain their dental health between visits.
- Inventory Control: Monitor and maintain dental supply inventory levels, ensuring necessary materials are always available for procedures while managing costs effectively.
While some dental offices may require additional specialized duties or use advanced technology, these core responsibilities represent the fundamental expectations across most dental practices in accordance with BLS standards.
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