Career As a
Dental Assistant By U Urbano Dental assistants work closely with dentists,
usually performing routine tasks so that the dentist can focus on
more complex procedures. Assistants perform a variety of patient care,
office, and laboratory duties. These include preparing dental instruments,
obtaining patients' dental records, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments
and equipment, preparing patients for treatment,
handing instruments to the dentist during procedures, taking dental
x-rays, and making casts of teeth. Some assistants also handle office
duties such as scheduling and confirming appointments, sending bills,
and ordering dental supplies and materials. About 50% of dental assistants
have a normal 40-hour workweek. Most of the rest work part-time, have
variable schedules, or hold multiple jobs by working at more than
one dental office.Education, Certification, Licensing. Dental assistants
usually learn their skills on the job, although formal training is
not only helpful but in some states, a requirement for licensure.
There are many accredited dental-assisting programs offered by community
and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, and the
Armed Forces. These programs combine classroom and laboratory instruction
with practical experience in dental schools, clinics, or dental offices.
Most of them take one year or less to complete and lead to a certificate
or diploma. Programs offered in community and junior colleges which
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