Dental Assistants

Individuals who perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties in dental offices and laboratories. They work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients, hand instruments and materials to the dentist and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. They also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care. 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.