800-725-6364
Dental Assistant
A person who aids a dentist in the performance of generalized tasks, including chairside aid, clerical work, reception, and some radiography and dental laboratory work.
Duties may include (but not limited to:)
assisting the dental operator by holding and passing instruments
retracting tissues and suctioning to assist better vision of the operating field
retrieving, setting up and laying out dental equipment and dental instruments.
mixing materials
sterilizing dental instruments and equipment ie.
developing dental radiographs
charting for the dental operator
Extended duties
Other extended duties, many depending on local dental regulations, can include:
dental lab work, such as pouring & trimming models
exposing radiographs
filing charts
appointment scheduling
maintaining dental record keeping
taking impressions
giving post-op instructions
making temporary crowns
manage patient welfare
educate patients on oral health
complete procedures started by dentists
pack gingival cord for accurate impressions
ordering dental supplies for office
placing dental sealants
rubber-cup prophy for patients 12 & under
These services are performed on various federal facilities throughout the United States and it's territories.