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Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. The sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat each patient, and obtain patients’ dental records. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. They also instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Dental assistants have many other duties as well:
- preparing materials for impressions and restorations
- taking and processing x-rays
- removing sutures
- making casts of teeth
- cleaning and polishing removable appliances
- making temporary crowns
Some dental assistants may also have office duties, like scheduling and confirming appointments, keeping treatment records and ordering supplies.
How long will it take?
Some dental assistants learn their skills on the job, but most are trained in programs at community colleges and technical schools. At Amarillo College you can be trained in as few as 36 semester hours.
How much can you earn?
Median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $14.53 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Almost all jobs for dental assistants are in offices of dentists. A small number of jobs are in the federal, state and local governments or in offices of physicians.
AC can help you get there!
