Dental Assistants

About the Role

Dental assistants support dental practitioners with patient care, office tasks, and laboratory duties, playing a crucial role in the dental healthcare team.

Other Common Titles

Dental Hygienist Assistant
Dental Office Assistant
Dental Surgery Assistant
Clinical Dental Assistant
Dental Technician

Typical Tasks

Preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations and procedures
Assisting the dentist during examinations and surgical procedures
Taking and developing dental X-rays as directed
Sterilizing and maintaining dental instruments and equipment
Educating patients on postoperative care and oral hygiene practices
Managing patient records and appointments
Handling billing and insurance claims
Ordering dental supplies and managing inventory

Notable People

Gina C. Gove – A renowned dental assistant known for her contributions to dental education and training programs.
Jill A. Wernimont – An advocate for dental assistants and leader in establishing best practices for dental care.

Recommended Resources

Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach
A thorough textbook covering essential topics and skills needed for dental assistants.
American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Offers resources, certification information, and professional development for dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Network
A blog featuring tips, advice, and news relevant to dental assistants.
The Dental Assistant Podcast
A podcast discussing various topics concerning dental assisting, featuring guest experts and industry leaders.