Nature of Job
Dental Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties.
Duties of Dental Assistants:
- Work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients
- Make patients feel comfortable in dental chair
- Prepare patients for treatment
- Obtain dental records
- Hand instruments to dentists
- Keep patients mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment
- Prepare try set-ups for dental procedures
- Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care
- May prepare materials for making impressions and restorations
- Expose radiography
- Process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist
- May remove sutures
- Apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth
- Remove excess cement used in the filling process
- Schedule and confirm appointments
- Receive patients
- Keep treatment records
- Send bills
- Receive payments
- Order dental supplies and materials.
Dental Assistants with Laboratory Duties:
- Make casts of teeth and mouth from impressions taken by a dentist
- Clean and polish removable appliances and make temporary crowns
Dental Assistants are different than Dental Hygienists. Dental Hygienists must be licensed to perform different clinical tasks.
Education Requirements:
Many dental assistants learn their skills on the job, but there are many community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutions and Armed Forces that offer dental assisting programs.
Dental assisting programs include: classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental assisting skills and related theory. In addition, students may gain practical experience in dental schools, clinics or dental offices. Most programs take less than one year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Two-year programs offered in community or junior colleges lead to an associate degree. All programs require high school diploma or its equivalent and some may require a typing or science course for admission.
Some states regulate the duties dental assistants may complete through licensure or registration. Licensure or registration may require passing a written or practical examination. States requiring licensure have a list of schools offering courses, usually less than one year in length. Some states require continuing education to maintain licensure.
Working Conditions
All work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area is usually near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials and medication and hand them to the dentists. Dental Assistants must wear gloves, masks, eyewear and protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients.
A 35-40-work week is typical, with hours varying. Some nights and weekend work will be required.
Employment/Employment Outlook
Dental Assistants held nearly 250,000 jobs in 2000. About 40% worked part-time and sometimes in more than one dental office.
Just about 100% of dental assistants work in a private dental office. A few work in dental schools, private and government hospitals, state and local public health departments or clinics.
The job outlook is excellent. The field is expected to grow much faster than average, which means an increase in 36% or more between 2000-2010. In addition, numerous job openings will be due to the fact that many assistants go back to school to be a dental hygiene or dental assistants will transfer to other occupations, retire or leave the workplace.
Dental Assistants will be hired to perform routine tasks so dentists may devote their time to more profitable procedures.
Estimated Earnings
Earnings vary depending on experience, education and skill level. The following wages are in 2000 dollars:
- Medical hourly earnings: $12.49
- Middle 50%: between $9.99 and $15.51 an hour
- Lowest 10%: earned less than $8.26 an hour
- Highest 10%: $18.57 an hour
Benefits depend on the dentist, practice setting and the number of hours worked. According the American Dental Association, almost all full-time dental assistants employed by private practitioners receive paid vacation and dental coverage. |
