The role of a Dental Assistant is to help Dentists and
Dental Hygienists carry out the duties of providing quality dental care to
individuals as well as providing an environment with sterile equipment and a
comfortable setting for the procedures to take place in.
Dental assistants are a valuable resource to the area of
dentistry. While they aren’t qualified to perform cleanings or extensive dental
procedures, they keep things moving at a steady pace. Their role is often
behind the scenes getting everything ready. There are more duties to DentalAssistant than what meets the eye.
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Being a Dental Assistant takes a particular type of person.
You have to enjoy working with the public. You also have to have confidence in
your abilities. A sincere interest in the dental field and helping others are
also recommended. Dental Assistants must have excellent communication skills as
they are an important part of the patient and dental staff relationship.
Dental Assistants generally review the medical history with
the patient and help them feel comfortable prior to procedures taking place.
The often explain what the procedure entails and what will be taking place. The
Dental Assistant will be present during the procedure to assist either the
Hygienist or the Dentist. During the procedure, the Dental Assistant will clear
out the patient’s mouth, adjust the chair, move the lights, and anything else
that can make the experience better for the patient. After the procedure the
Dental Assistant will explain follow up treatment to the patient as well as
provide the patient will information to assist in the healing process.
A Dental Assistant has to know how to prioritize their time
to ensure all their duties are taken care of. One of the most important duties
of a Dental Assistant is proper cleaning of all the dental tools. They must be
properly sanitized. Each tool needs to be examined to ensure it is still
usable. Dental assistants must also know what tools and equipment each dental
procedure requires. This allows them to set up tool kits to have at the dental
station prior to a procedure being done.
Dentists and Dental Hygienists depend on the Dental
Assistant being alert and prepared during all dental procedures. They want to
have all the necessary tools at their fingertips for easy access and to allow
them to remain concentrated on the patient and the procedure they are
performing. In some states, Dental Hygienists are allowed to administer local
anesthetics to prepare the patient for their procedures.
A very important role of the Dental Assistant is to monitor
the patient during the procedure. This may involve taking their vital signs.
Other signs to watch for include changes in breathing patterns, disorientation,
and a glazed look in the eyes. All of these can indicate an emergency
situation. Patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or suffer a
medical ailment such as a heart attack.
Dental Assistants need to be prepared for such emergencies
to arise and react calmly and quickly. It is important that every Dental
Assistant is trained in CPR. They should also have emergency phone numbers in
place if the need arises. It is the responsibility of the Dental Assistant and
other staff to do all they can for the patient until proper medical help
arrives. Doing so can make the difference between life and death.
The role of Dental Assistant involves wearing many hats. For
those in the profession, they often enjoy having a variation in their daily
routine. They love working with people as well as working in the dental profession.
Being an effective Dental Assistant involves willingness to continuing
learning. It requires a positive attitude and attention to details. The best
Dental Assistants are those who know how to effectively communicate with the
patients and the staff they work with. This is a great career for those who
feel they can handle the ongoing needs that are placed in their hands.
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