Dental Assistants
Dental assistants perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. They may perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
A dental assistant is a skilled individual who helps prepare patients, sterilize instruments, set up rooms, and do some dental hygiene errands.
There are specific requirements to qualify for dental assistant jobs, such as certification in an accredited dental assisting program, dental x-ray certification, high school degree or equivalent, certification of dental hygiene program, knowledge of handling various dental instruments and tools, knowledge of using computers for various tasks, possessing a professional and positive attitude, and the ability to provide great patient care.
To succeed in the field, one should gain an expanded duty dental assistant certification which is a quick way to start taking more responsibilities. An expanded duty dental assistant performs more advanced tasks as compared to an entry-level dental assistant. Well to do and experienced dentists often look to hire dental assistants with this certification.
The responsibilities of an expanded duty dental assistant include tooth morphology, cavity preparations, etching, bonding, cord packing, orthodontics, temporary crown fabrication and cementation, composite resin, properties of amalgam, placement of bases and liners and more. In addition, an expanded duty dental assistants relish an average pay that is typically more than that of an entry-level dental assistant.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Certificate Dental Assistant
- Diploma Dental Assistant
Tasks
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
Progression Routes
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