Are you interested in learning more about what a dental assistant does? If so, you have come to the right place. This article reviews what a dental assistant does in all facets of your clinical and clerical duties. So, what specifically does a dental assistant do?
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A dental assistant plays a critical role in the dental office, providing support to dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff, while also ensuring patient comfort. Their responsibilities cover many clinical and administrative tasks. There day-to-day tasks include:
Clinical Support
Dental assistants are indispensable in the dentist’s office and complete many clinical tasks. They help prepare the treatment area, assist the dentist during procedures, and ensure that tools and materials are ready and sterile. Ultimately, their work ensures the dentist can focus on the patient. For example, a dental assistant will set up a tray of sterile instruments before a root canal procedure. They will hand tools to the dentist during a filling procedure, such as suction devices, dental mirrors, and curing lights. The dental assistant will mix dental materials, such as impression materials for crowns or moldings for dentures. They may also take and process dental X-rays to help diagnose issues like cavities or bone loss.
Patient Care
Dental assistants ensure patients are comfortable, informed, and prepared for procedures. They often explain treatments, calm nervous patients, and answer post-treatment care questions. For example, a dental assistant may guide a patient through the process of a teeth cleaning appointment, explaining what will happen step-by-step. They may help a child feel comfortable before their first dental checkup by offering reassurance or distractions like toys, or they may teach a patient how to properly floss and brush after a deep cleaning to maintain oral health.
Sterilization and Infection Control
Maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential in dental offices. Dental assistants are responsible for sterilizing tools and following strict infection control protocols. A dental assistant will clean and sterilize instruments in an autoclave after each use. They will wipe down treatment chairs and equipment with disinfectants between patients. A dental assistant will also ensure personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and shields, are available and used correctly.
Administrative Duties
In addition to clinical tasks, dental assistants perform administrative duties to keep the office running smoothly. This includes scheduling appointments, confirming bookings, and managing the dentist’s calendar. They will also help by updating patient records with treatment notes, X-rays, and billing information. When the medical billing and coding specialist needs help, the dental assistant can help with insurance claims and payment processing for patients.
Assisting with Specialized Procedures
Dental assistants also help during advanced or specialized treatments, such as oral surgery, orthodontics, or periodontic. For example, a dental assistant may assist during the placement of braces by preparing the bonding material and instruments. They may support the dentist during an extraction by holding suction and ensuring the patient’s comfort. Part of their responsibilities also includes helping take impressions for dentures, crowns, or bridges and ensuring accuracy for lab processing.
Emergency Response
Dental assistants often handle unexpected situations, such as dental emergencies. They may help by assisting the dentist in treating a patient with a knocked-out tooth by preparing tools for reimplantation. The dental assistant may also help manage a patient experiencing a reaction to anesthesia by monitoring vital signs and following the dentist’s instructions. Time is of the essence so emergency training is key to preventing patient issues. This is something that you will learn about during the Dental Assistant program at Meridian College.
Education and Preventive Care
Dental assistants often play a role in educating patients about maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues. They will explain the effects of sugary drinks on teeth and encourage healthier alternatives. The dental assistant may show a patient how to use an interdental brush for cleaning between braces, or provide tips for post-operative care, such as what to eat after a wisdom tooth extraction.
What is the Dental Assistant’s Role During Dental Procedures?
The dental assistant’s role during dental procedures is critical to ensure the procedure runs smoothly, efficiently, and is safe for both the patient and the dental team. Their tasks can be divided into several key areas:
Preparing the Treatment Area
Dental assistants set up and organize the treatment area before the procedure begins to ensure the dentist has everything they need readily available. The dental assistant will sterilize and arrange instruments on the tray in the correct order. They will prepare materials like composite resin, bonding agents, or impression materials. They will also ensure the treatment chair and equipment are clean and functioning correctly.
Assisting the Dentist During the Procedure
Dental assistants act as the dentist’s second pair of hands, also called four-handed dentistry, passing tools and managing tasks so the dentist can focus on the procedure. Th dental assistant is responsible for handing instruments to the dentist using a proper hand-off technique to maintain a sterile field. They will operate suction devices to keep the patient’s mouth clear of saliva, blood, or debris and using water syringes to rinse the mouth. They may also adjust the overhead light to ensure the dentist can properly view the patient’s teeth.
Patient Comfort and Monitoring
Dental assistants ensure that the patient is comfortable and monitored during the procedure, addressing concerns as they arise. They will offer reassurance to nervous patients and explain each step of the procedure. The dental assistant also monitors the patient’s reactions to anesthesia and helps adjust the patient’s head for better access during treatment.
Handling Materials
Dental assistants prepare, mix, and manage the materials needed during the dental procedure, ensuring precision and accuracy. They mix impression materials at the right consistency and hand them to the dentist when needed. The dental assistant will load syringes with local anesthetic and prepare fluoride trays. They also hold and transfer materials like dental composite or amalgam for fillings to the dentist during a procedure.
Radiographs and Imaging Support
If the procedure requires imaging, dental assistants often handle X-rays. They position X-ray sensors in the patient’s mouth for clear imaging. They also process and display the images for the dentist to review.
Charting and Documentation
During the procedure, dental assistants may document the dentist’s findings or keep records for patient files. They will chart tooth conditions as the dentist dictates. They also update patient records in the dental software immediately after the procedure.
Post-Procedure Tasks
After the procedure, dental assistants help wrap up the session and prepare for the next patient. They provide patients with post-treatment care instructions. The dental assistant cleans and sterilizes the tools and treatment area, and ensures all equipment is ready for the next procedure.
Final Thoughts
The dental assistant’s role during procedures is important. They ensure the procedure runs smoothly, the patient is comfortable, and the environment remains sterile and safe. By effectively managing their responsibilities, the dentist can focus on the procedure, leaving the patient in the hands of the dental assistant.
Want to Learn More?
The Dental Assistant training program at Meridian College provides extensive hands-on training, including a school externship at a dental office where you will assist the dentist in treating actual patients.
Meridian College also has dedicated school instructors who offer dental assisting training that can help you get an entry-level position at a dentist’s office or dental clinic. You get to work in real-world situations and use your training from classroom lectures to further your skills during lab work.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a dental assistant.