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Dental Assistant


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A Dental Assistant typically assists what is known in medical circles as a dental operator, which is more commonly known as general dentists or more specialized dentists such as orthodontists. Their main task is to make the work of the dentist more efficient as well as taking care of the important yet menial tasks that takes place in a dental clinic. This article goes through some of these responsibilities.

Below is a list of the most common tasks that a Dental Assistant is required to do on the order of the dentist themselves.

  • Preparing patients for consultation with the dentist by taking and recording both medical and dental histories of patients in addition to recording the vital signs of patients
  • Recording information regarding the treatment undertaken in a patient’s records
  • Being able to process and develop dental x-rays for the patients
  • Being able to expose dental x-rays
  • Correct and proper sterilization of dental equipment and instruments
  • Sets up and lay outs all the necessary dental equipment for the dentist to use during treatment
  • Being able to take teeth impressions for further diagnosis and study
  • Being able to employ management skills to run the clinic especially when it comes to managing patient records

In order to become an assistant, you normally require to undergo some type of special training from a tertiary institute or you may simply choose to learn the skills on-the-job. In any case, your chances of finding employment will improve with some formal training.

The important role that a Dental Assistant plays in a dental clinic is often overlooked and underestimated.