Attendants prepare and organize the tools that dentists need to work on a patient. Dental assistants have many tasks, such as patient care, record keeping, and scheduling appointments. Their functions vary depending on the state and the dentists' offices in which they work. What Does a Dental Assistant Do? The role of a dental assistant involves assuming administrative and technical responsibilities, so that the dentist can focus on the patient and now have the dental equipment, tools and information he needs.
A dental assistant is not the same as a dental hygienist, a dental professional who performs dental cleanings independently. By customizing the following sample job description, you'll be able to find better qualified dental assistant candidates for your vacant position. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, depending on the requirements of the office and the level of certification and experience of the assistants. Dental assistants don't need to attend a training program or get certified, although, as mentioned above, many choose to do so.
While the vast majority of dental assistants work in dental clinics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that dental assistants also work in doctors' offices, government offices, colleges and universities. For example, dental assistants often help with front desk work, such as scheduling appointments and updating patients' dental records. While some tasks overlap, dental hygienists take care of more dental care themselves, such as cleaning teeth, detecting oral health problems, and applying protective materials, such as sealants and fluoride. While you don't need a degree to become a dental assistant, most dental clinics prefer candidates with associate dental assistant degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which tracks these work-related statistics, the job outlook for dental assistant positions over the next 10 years is above average. Management Dental care often involves administrative tasks, requiring skills in telephone etiquette, scheduling appointments and keeping records. As key members of a dental team, dental assistants exist to help improve the quality and efficiency of a clinic, both administratively and clinically in the exam room. Dental assistants work in the administrative offices of dental clinics and help dentists with tasks such as performing x-rays and procedures such as root canals, fillings, cleanings, etc.
An efficient team of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, laboratory technicians and receptionists helps everyone to stay on schedule and keep patients happy. Offering this level of diversity and reach in a single field requires a coordinated team of highly trained dental health professionals, among whom dental assistants play an essential role. If you're passionate about helping other people and you're attracted to the idea of working in the health industry, but don't want to spend years in school, then you should consider becoming a dental assistant.
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