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Healthcare Dental Assistant
Hourly Rates up to Jobs Available
$37 56,900+

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental assistants make dental offices run more efficiently. They help patients feel comfortable and help hygienists and dentists do their jobs. 

State regulations vary on what a dental assistant can do, and tasks may vary by clinic. But for a hard-working, curious assistant, there is plenty of opportunity.

This job involves both clinical and administrative tasks. Dental assistants schedule appointments, maintain dental records, help patients get settled in the chair and clean dental tools. They work under the supervision of a dentist and alongside hygienists. They also assist with administrative tasks and office management.

Most importantly, an assistant is one of the first dental professionals a patient will meet, so it’s helpful to have a compassionate outlook. 

If you’re someone who enjoys being involved in different areas of an operation, this is a job to consider. It’s also a job that offers room to grow, as we’ll explain in more detail below. 

A dental assistant prepares dental equipment for a procedure
Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, from helping out in the exam room to working in office management. (Credit: Arlou_Andrei/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Prepare patients and the work area for examinations
  • Update patient's medical history 
  • Hand the dentist tools and use suction tubes during procedures
  • Provide chair-side support to patients
  • Sterilize dental instruments and equipment
  • Be knowledgeable about dental procedures, tools and equipment
  • Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
  • Keep records
  • Schedule appointments
  • Work with patients on billing issues

How To Become a Dental Assistant: FAQs

The bottom line:

If you’re looking for a fast-paced workplace with room to grow, this is a career to consider. It’s well-suited to someone who likes variety and is eager to learn new tasks. If that sounds like you, check out SkillPointe’s selection of training programs and get started on your next chapter. 

Josefina Barco, dental assistant ambassador

What is it like to be a dental assistant?

"I like everything about my job," says Josefina Barco, who has been a dental assistant since 2010. 

She learned her trade by training with “a very strict and perfectionist dentist.” That eye for detail comes into play every work day. Find out why Josefina can’t see herself doing anything else.

Local Certifications and Requirements

You may need a state license or certificate before you can work in a specific career in your state. Different states may also have different education and experience requirements, fees and application forms. The good news - we make it super easy to find what you need to begin your new career. Just enter your zip code to get started.

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