How to become a dental assistant
Combine administrative tasks with practical, patient-focused tasks to support Dental Practitioners as they assess and treat patients.
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental Assistants support Dental Practitioners in providing services to patients and assist with administrative tasks. They typically meet first with patients to assess patient needs before the Dental Practitioner, Hygienist or Therapist exams the patient.
Duties and tasks
Assist Dental Practitioner in dental cleaning including holding suction tubes and water spray
Give information to patients on proper cleaning and dental maintenance techniques, procedures and conditions
Prepare and sterilise instruments for Practitioners depending on procedures being performed
Process X-rays, gather medication and perform any additional tasks to assist Dental Practitioners, Hygienists and Therapists to meet with patients quickly and provide the best care possible
Process billing payments and other office duties as needed
Regularly check equipment and instruments for quality and cleanliness
Use appointment schedule and sign-in register to call patients and prepare them to be seen by the Dentist
Professional bodies
Related jobs
Dental hygienist
Dental nurse
Dental therapist
Oral health therapist
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