Dental Assistants are very versatile. They are well trained
in a variety of areas to properly assist Dentists and Hygienists perform
quality dental work on all individuals. The duties will depend on the state
regulations, the type of dental facility, and how that particular facility has
their operations set up. Often the smaller the dental facility, the more types
of duties the Dental Assistant will be trained in.
Typical Dental Assistant tasks include sterilizing
instruments and setting up instrument trays. The proper cleansing and
sterilizing of dental instruments is a detrimental part of providing quality
service to all patients. Instrument trays are set up with the proper tools and
equipment that can possibly be needed for a particular dental procedure. Dental
Assistants get these materials together and in the area where the procedure
will take place. This helps things run smoothly and allows the Dentist or
Hygienist to remain focused on the procedure. It eliminates searching for each
item as it is needed.
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Dental Assistants often remain with the dentist or Hygienist
during the procedures. They are responsible for suction and for handing the
instruments to the other staff throughout the procedures. They are also there
to offer instant assistance if an emergency arises during the procedure. In
some dental facilities, the Dental Assistant will monitor the vital signs of
all patients as well as administer local anesthetics.
Dental Assistants often help to make patients feel
comfortable before, during, and after their procedures. They can offer a king
word, help adjust lighting and chair position, and provide the patient with
follow up information to care for their procedures. Dental Assistants are often
asked to make phone calls and follow up on the recovery process for some
patients after major procedures including root canals, bridges, and
extractions.
It is common for Dental Assistants to perform X-rays and
other lab procedures including castings for caps and bridges. They often talk
to patients about their medical history and any types of communicable diseases.
They discuss proper care after procedures to ensure patients do all they can to
allow their procedures to heal properly. They may even call in prescriptions as
a courtesy to patients.
Dental Assistants are trained in emergency procedures. While
it is unlikely anything will go wrong in the dental office, occasionally it
does. Some individuals suffer from an allergic reaction to the anesthetic and
require medical attention. Others may swallow something and choke during a
procedure. Other times a patient may stop breathing. Knowing CPR and properly
monitoring vital signs are all valuable in a crisis situation in the medical
facility.
As you can see, Dental Assistants are often trained in a
wide variety of processes and procedures. This will help ensure they keep busy
as well as add variety to their daily routine in the workplace. Dental
Assistants must learn quickly as well as pay attention to details. Their role
is very important to the overall functioning of the entire dental facility.
The duties of a Dental Assistant are constantly changing
depending on the needs of the patients and changes in technology. It is
important that Dental Assistants keep up on such changes. Often, their employer
will require them to attend trainings, workshops, and seminars to keep up with
all the changes and brush up in any areas necessary to provide the best
possible services.
Duties of Dental Assistants - Innakaghaitsa.com