Dental assistants have many tasks, ranging from patient care and taking x-rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists' offices where they work.
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Print Occupation
- Dental Assistants
Health Science
What do they typically do
- Instruct patients in proper dental hygiene
- Help patients feel comfortable in the dental chair and prepare them for treatments and procedures
- Schedule patient appointments and work with patients on billing and payment options
- Help dentists by handing them instruments and keeping patients' mouths dry during procedures
- Keep records of dental treatments
- Prepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials
- Process x-rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
- Sterilize dental instruments
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth +1.9%
Job Opening 1,380
Education & Training
- Education Most occupations require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
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11535
Change 1987