Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants typically perform the following tasks: • Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures. • Record treatment information in patient records. • Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies. • Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory. • Expose dental diagnostic x-rays. • Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist. • Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs. • Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients. • Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth. • Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer. • Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts. • Pour, trim, and polish study casts. • Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions. • Clean and polish removable appliances. • Clean teeth, using dental instruments. • Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.