Written By Kara Masterson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

A dental assistant is a professional who works alongside the dentist, helping him by assisting patients until the dentist is ready to see them. They’re the people who usually get you situated in the dentist chair, take your vitals, or even perform the preliminary examinations of your teeth.

When the dentist is done seeing you, they are also the ones who will be cleaning your teeth. If you want to become a dental assistant, then there are several things that you need to know.

The Specific Duties of a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants spend their days sterilizing instruments, preparing patients for their dental exams, maintaining dental records, taking X-rays, scheduling appointments, and handling payments and insurance. Keep in mind that the state that you live in and the office that you work in will determine exactly what you should be doing. Dental assistants work alongside dental hygienists and dentists.

The Training That You Need

Dental assisting programs can typically be completed in less than one year. You can complete the training that you need at a community college or technical college. You can also get online dental assistant training. However, if you choose this route you will still have to go into the classroom to complete the hands-on training. Every program requires a high school diploma or GED.

The Skills That You Need

You should make sure that you have all of the skills that you need before you decide to become a dental assistant. You should have the ability to handle multiple things at one time. You should also have good communication skills. Additionally, it is important for you to have a professional demeanor.

You should dress properly and show up on time. You should also be serious about the work that you do. Additionally, you should maintain a professional attitude.

The Work Conditions

Most dental assistants work in a dental office. However, some of them may go to nursing homes or hospitals to treat patients who are unable to get out of bed. Dental assistants have an average level of job stress. Dental assistants work in sterile environments. They are also given the proper protective equipment, such as eye shields, masks, and face shields.

There are also safety protocols that are put in place in order to help reduce the amount of radiation that you are exposed to.

Becoming a dental assistant may be a great career for you. However, it is important for you to find out about the specific job duties and whether or not they are something you’re prepared to handle. You should also make sure that you have the necessary skills and get the training that you need. Additionally, you need to know about the conditions that you will be expected to work in.

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Written By:
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.