Dental Assistants

Career summary

#no info moved over from 8176

#check 3/18/19 lh

Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, depending on the dental office they work in. They put out tools for the dentist to use and help prepare patients for their exams and treatments.

During procedures dental assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists. They use suction devices to keep patients' mouths dry and clear.

When patients have surgery, dental assistants instruct them in postoperative care. They also teach patients about general oral health care, such as how to control plaque. They record exam and treatment information in patients' charts.

After procedures assistants sterilize dental instruments and equipment and prepare tray setups.

With additional training dental assistants can perform other tasks such as:

• Take and processing x-rays
• Apply numbing agent to gums
• Apply fluoride
• Prepare teeth for fillings
• Remove stitches

Dental assistants who have lab duties make models of the teeth from impressions taken by dentists. They also may polish removable appliances, such as bridges, and make temporary crowns.

Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm patient appointments. They keep records, send bills, and take payments. They also order dental supplies and materials.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Dental Hygienists
• Dentists
• Dietetic Technicians
• Medical Assistants
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Radiologic Technologists
• Surgical Technologists
• Veterinary Assistants
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Military careers

• Dental Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to dental assistants.

• Assist dentists at chair-side as they examine and treat patients.
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment. Prepare equipment trays for dentist.
• Prepare patient for exams and procedures.
• Take dental x-rays and process x-ray film.
• Record treatment information in patients' charts.
• Hand instruments and materials to dentists. Clear patients' mouths using suction or other devices.
• Make casts of teeth and mouth or temporary crowns from impressions of patients' teeth.
• Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
• Make models of patients' teeth.
• Apply fluoride to patients' teeth.
• Schedule and confirm appointments with patients.
• Send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.
• Clean and polish removable dental appliances, such as bridges.

Common work activities

Dental assistants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Evaluate information against standards
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Use computers
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Perform for or work with the public
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Think creatively
• Control machines and processes
• Develop and build teams

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, dental assistants:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with patients, dentists, and office staff.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of dental patients.
• Are responsible for the work outcomes of others.
• Sometimes deal with patients that are unpleasant, angry, or discourteous.
• Work as part of a team. This is extremely important because they directly assist the dentist.
• Have face-to-face discussions with coworkers and patients each day.
• Communicate by telephone daily.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Wear protective clothing daily. They wear masks, safety glasses, and rubber gloves to protect themselves and their clients from diseases.
• Are always exposed to diseases and infections through contact with patients.
• Are sometimes exposed to radiation when x-raying patient's teeth. However, dental assistants wear protective gear when operating x-ray equipment.
• Are occasionally exposed to noises that are uncomfortable, such as dental drills.
• Work very near other people and have little space between self and others. They sit very close to patients and may place their gloved hands inside patients' mouths during procedures.
• Often work with contaminants when preparing filling material or other dental applications.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach patients' teeth.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could endanger patients' health.
• Repeat the same tasks over and over, such as handling instruments and operating x-ray equipment.
• Make decisions daily that affect other people.
• Can set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Meet strict weekly deadlines.
• Can make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work for more than one dental office.
• May work evenings or Saturdays at offices that keep longer hours.

Physical demands

Dental assistants frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for dental assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for dental assistants to be able to:

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Dental assistants need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Dental Assisting

Other programs of study to consider

• Medical Assisting
• Nursing Assisting

Training

To work as a dental assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a formal training program.

Education after high school

Most dental assistants complete a one-year training program at a professional-technical school and earn a certificate. You learn dental assisting procedures in these programs. As part of the training, you work in labs and clinics as well as take courses.

Many two-year colleges have dental assisting programs that lead to an associate degree.

On-the-job training

Some dental assistants receive training on the job. Training generally takes up to six months. If this is how you learn your skills you may still need to take dental assisting courses. You usually need these courses to become certified or licensed.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be dental specialists. Training lasts from nine to 14 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Dental Assisting
• Health Education
• Medical Office
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Dental assistants function as a dentist's "third hand." Therefore, dentists prefer to hire applicants who are reliable, can work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. Many employers prefer assistants who have formal training. Some employers may prefer assistants who are certified.

Employers require workers to be vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus and are required to pay for the vaccination. Applicants may also be tested for tuberculosis. It is important for applicants to have their childhood vaccinations current. Employers look for applicants who are neat in appearance and who enjoy working with people and learning new things. Most dentists prefer non smokers.

Graduates of dental assisting programs who pass a national exam can become certified by the Dental Assisting National Board. To keep certification current, 12 hours of approved continuing education, including an up-to-date CPR card, are required each year. For more information, contact Dental Assisting National Board located in the Other Resources section of this description.

#changed ph & mailing address from website 4/4/07 lh. Checked cert info 3/17/10 & 3/26/12, 4/4/16 cj.

Tips

Arrange to visit a dental office to observe a dental assistant at work to see if this is the kind of job you want to do. Many employers look for applicants who are aware of current dental issues. To advance professionally in this field, you must advance your knowledge as much as possible. Get formal training to improve your chances for higher wages and advancement. Keep current on your skills and changes in dentistry. Have a positive attitude, be cheerful, and willing to take direction.

Costs to workers

Dental assistants may need to buy comfortable shoes and uniforms. Some workers join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Those who choose to become nationally certified must pay application, exam, and renewal fees.

Licensing/certification

Dental assistants must be registered in Washington. In order to be registered, dental assistants must:

• complete an application;
• answer personal data questions;
• complete seven hours of AIDS education;
• hold a current Basic Life Support certification (BLS); and
• pay a $40 application and $21 annual renewal fee.

Dental assistants who meet additional state educational and examination requirements, may become licensed as Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries (EFDAs) and can perform expanded dental care duties under the general or close supervision of a dentist.

For more information on dental assisting or licensure as an EFDA, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Dental Quality Assurance Commission 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#Verified licensing section, Checked & decided to add personal data ?'s to list, 3/7/18 cj. 3/18/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Dental Assistants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary based on the dental assistant's level of training and experience. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country.

Benefits also vary. Most full-time dental assistants receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time dental assistants may not receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Private dental offices

National outlook

This occupation will see strong growth. The population is aging and dental assistants are able to provide more routine procedures that dentists used to do. Another growth factor for this occupation is new health care regulations. More people have health insurance that includes dental coverage.

Job prospects for dental assistants will be good. Besides growth in the occupation, job openings will arise from the need to replace dental assistants who leave the field. Many of these openings will be for entry-level jobs that offer on-the-job training.

Other resources

American Dental Assistants Association 
140 North Bloomingdale Road
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
877.874.3785
630.994.4247

American Dental Association 
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312.440.2500

Dental Assisting Careers 
American Dental Association

Dental Assisting National Board 
444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60611
800.367.3262
312.642.3368

Dental Work: Careers in Oral Care 
Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook, March 2020

Explore Health Careers: Dental Assistant 

Health Occupation Students of America 
548 Silicon Drive, Suite 101
Southlake, TX 76092
800.321.HOSA

National Association of Dental Assistants 
900 South Washington Street, Suite G13
Falls Church, VA 22046
703.237.8616

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Dental Assistants (31-9091.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Dental Assistant (079.361-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Science Skilled
• Service Skilled