Dental Assistant Training

Working conditions are generally pleasant and clean. There may be times of high pressure when patients are scheduled on an emergency basis, or when a procedure takes more time than anticipated. Since patients are often nervous or apprehensive about going to the dentist, an assistant must be calm and pleasant even during stressful times.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

A dental assistant helps the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients. The position is very hands-on. A person interested in dental assisting must be a "people person," and enjoy interacting with patients. They must keep patient care a priority, manage their time well, work well with their hands, and accept instruction from the dentist. Basic duties of a dental assistant include:

• Seating patients
• Making patients feel comfortable
• Answering questions about procedures
• Preparing materials that will be needed by the dentist
• Assisting the dentist throughout the procedures
• Exposing and developing dental X-rays
• Sterilizing instruments after a procedure and preparing them for the next patient.
• Updating a patient's chart after a procedure

Sometimes the actual assisting is called four-handed dental assisting. This means that the assistant will be using both of their hands as well in helping the dentist to make the procedure being performed as smooth and quick as possible.

What Do Dental Assistants Make?

The salary of a dental assistant varies with location, number of days worked, and number of years of experience. In general the salary range is between $25,000 and $40,000 per year.

Dental assisting is a vital part of the dental health care field. If you are outgoing, efficient, enjoy working with your hands, and can work calmly under pressure, dental assisting might be a good match for you.