Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
Some dental assistants prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.
Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.
Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks.
Other workers supporting health practitioners in an office setting include dental assistants, medical assistants, occupational therapist assistants and aides, physical therapist assistants and aides, physician assistants, and registered nurses. Dental hygienists sometimes work with radiation technology, as do radiation therapists.
how much do dental assistants make in Utah
What career changes for dental assistants took place over four generations? 
Judith A. Davison has written: 'Legal and ethical considerations for dental hygienists and assistants' -- subject(s): Dental Ethics, Dental assistants, Dental hygienists, Legal status, laws
Most dental assistants will get a pay raise annually. This is something that will depend upon the company and how well the dental assistant is doing their job.
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Typically the dental hygienist requires a license, and assistants also need a license to take x-rays.Typically the dental hygienist requires a license, and assistants also need a license to take x-rays.Typically the dental hygienist requires a license, and assistants also need a license to take x-rays.Typically the dental hygienist requires a license, and assistants also need a license to take x-rays.Typically the dental hygienist requires a license, and assistants also need a license to take x-rays.Typically the dental hygienist requires a license, and assistants also need a license to take x-rays.
Ellen Dietz-Bourguignon has written: 'Materials and procedures for today's dental assistant' -- subject(s): Dental assistants, Dental materials 'Safety Standards and Infection Control for Dental Assistants'
Dental Assistant National Board (DANB)
Can registered dental assistants use a prophy jet for lingual braces? jabbona@msn.com
dental assistants
Dental assistants undergo approximately 2-3 years of dental school before applying for an internship. There are also online courses available. Prices will range depending on which school is applied to.