Dental Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental Assistants

Dental assistants help dentists provide dental care. They often work in teams with dental hygienists and laboratory technicians. They may work in health clinics, dental schools, nursing homes, and the military, but usually they work for dentists in private practice. Dental assistant duties include:
- Helping patients feel comfortable during treatment
- Taking and developing dental x-rays
- Taking medical histories for patients
- Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments and equipment
- Instructing patients about dental healthcare to include brushing and flossing
- Perform office management tasks

Average Salary: $14,00 - $25,00
Educational Requirements:
Dental assistants must have a haigh school diploma or a GED certificate.
They must receive additional training at a community college, vocational schools, or dental school to learn their skills. Length of programs varies between six months to a year. To become certified, dental assistants must pass an examination from the Dental Assisting National Board.