Dentists and dental hygienists receive a lot of attention, but they rely on dental assistants to keep practices running smoothly. As a crucial part of the dental team, dental assistants help patients feel comfortable while also keeping practices safe, hygienic, and organized.[1] It’s a complex role that involves clinical and administrative responsibilities — but many dental assistants are actually drawn to this built-in variety.[2]
Interested in pursuing a career in dental assisting? It’s important to understand what this field involves so you can prepare accordingly. Keep reading for an overview of dental assistant job responsibilities, along with details about the skills that help dental assistants carry out these everyday tasks. We will also reveal the value of Dental Assisting certificate programs, explaining how comprehensive curricula and hands-on learning opportunities prepare dental assistants for success.
The Role of a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are among the most well-rounded professionals in the modern dental industry. Their work influences every aspect of dental care, ranging from the clinical services that boost oral health to the administrative functions that keep clinics organized, efficient, and ultimately, profitable.
So, what does a dental assistant do? There’s no simple answer, as each day and each appointment can look a bit different. The general throughline involves compassionate and capable support, with dental assistants striving to make dental environments safe, comfortable, and efficient for all involved, patients and staff members alike. We’ll get into specifics below, detailing not only the core dental assistant duties, but also the skills that help dental assistants make a positive difference.
A Day in the Life: Common Dental Assistant Responsibilities
Every day brings new challenges and situations to the dental clinic, but there is also a distinct workflow and division of labor that keeps these spaces feeling calm and organized. Dental assistants contribute by offering both clinical and administrative support, all while helping patients feel comfortable.
Patient Care Responsibilities
Dental assistants can make a world of difference simply by bringing warmth and compassion to the clinical environment. Many patients struggle with doubt and anxiety, but through friendly conversations with dental assistants, they can come to feel calm and also show a greater willingness to proceed with necessary treatments. As they interact with patients, dental assistants also tackle these key tasks:[3]
- Updating charts. The charting process helps dentists and dental hygienists provide safe and personalized care. Dental assistants contribute by discussing each patient’s medical history, along with current concerns or symptoms, and even vital signs. These updates aren’t limited to the first few minutes of the appointment. They continue as dentists and hygienists spot caries or perform treatments.
- Practical support for dentists and hygienists. Charting forms just one version of practical support within the dental office. Other essentials include passing instruments, preparing materials, and adjusting lighting. Skilled dental assistants should be able to anticipate what dentists or hygienists might need and make adjustments accordingly.
- Post-procedure care. Following procedures, dental assistants help patients feel physically comfortable and emotionally at ease. They also provide detailed instructions so patients know which steps they should take upon returning home.
Clinical and Laboratory Duties
The dental assistant’s clinical scope of practice may seem limited compared to that of the dentist or dental hygienist, but dental assistants are still heavily involved in many aspects of clinical care and laboratory functions.
- Infection control. Dental assistants play a crucial role in maintaining safe, hygienic environments where the spread of infection can be minimized or avoided altogether.[4] This begins with sterilizing instruments, using ultrasonic cleaners or other approved solutions to ensure that explorers, scalers, and other tools are completely free of debris.[5] Other elements of infection control include disinfecting contact surfaces, especially the dental chair. Throughout this process, dental assistants must adhere closely to strict infection control protocols.[6]
- Coronal polishing. In many states, dental assistants are authorized to provide coronal polishing, which involves removing stains from various parts of the teeth.[7] This creates a smooth and clean surface but is not to be confused with oral prophylaxis, which offers a deeper cleaning in the interest of removing tartar.
- Radiation safety. Radiation is an important part of preventive care, offering a glimpse into early decay and other concerns that would likely remain hidden if dentists relied on visual observations alone. There are risks to be considered, however, as ionizing radiation can break DNA’s chemical bonds, and, while risks from dental X-rays are quite small, extra protection is still needed to safeguard those who are regularly exposed. By strategically positioning the X-ray tube head and using lead aprons and thyroid collars, dental assistants can promote radiation safety. They must also follow the ALARA principle, which aims to keep radiation “as low as reasonably achievable.”[8]
Office and Administrative Tasks
While many dental practices rely on receptionists or office assistants for administrative purposes, dental assistants can also step into these roles when needed. They are uniquely positioned to improve coordination between the clinical and administrative aspects of dental care. Their efforts can help improve the dental practice revenue cycle, boosting productivity so dentists can see more patients while ensuring they are paid or reimbursed appropriately. Common office tasks include:
- Scheduling appointments. Coordinating routine cleanings, follow-up visits, and specialized treatments, dental assistants schedule appointments strategically to avoid over- or under-booking. Guided by dental practice management software, dental assistants block out time for various procedures and send reminders to reduce the risk of no-shows.
- Billing and insurance. Often involved in verifying coverage or even submitting claims, dental assistants help to enhance practices’ revenue cycles by taking the steps needed to ensure prompt payments and reimbursements. They are mindful of coverage limits, deductibles, and co-pays, communicating proactively with billing teams or insurance providers to limit denials or unpaid claims.[9] These professionals may collect additional payments at the time of services, working with patients to set up payment plans if needed.
- Maintaining detailed records. These should include details of each patient’s medical history, notes from recent treatments, and X-ray and lab results. These details promote continuity of care and also support compliance efforts. Due to their chairside role, dental assistants may find it easier to capture important information in real time, ensuring that records are promptly and consistently updated.
Dental Assistant Skills for Success
Dental assistants maintain diverse skill sets that allow them to seamlessly handle the many clinical and administrative sides of their work. Essentials for success include a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, infection control, and radiation safety. This knowledge should be accompanied by a distinct mix of administrative, clinical, and interpersonal skills. Essentials include:[10]
- Manual dexterity. Fine motor skills allow dental assistants to handle delicate instruments within confined spaces. They may need to manipulate small tools such as scalers or handpieces, offering stable support to dentists during various procedures. Manual dexterity is significant for those authorized to perform coronal polishing, as they need to remove stains without damaging the enamel.
- Attention to detail. From medical records to sterilization protocols and even nuances in patient interactions, dental assistants are the eyes of the practice, responsible for preventing errors by double-checking all administrative and clinical workflows. Detail-oriented dental assistants are more likely to catch mistakes others might miss, thereby preventing compliance issues and protecting patients.
- Compassion. Dental assistants understand how stressed and anxious patients tend to feel — and they aim to ease these difficult emotions as they guide patients through appointments and procedures. Their calming presence and continued reassurance can place patients at ease.
- Teamwork. In today’s dental clinics, dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office staff work as teams to tackle diverse patient needs compassionately and efficiently. By providing well-rounded clinical and administrative support, dental assistants improve the flow of the dental office while contributing to a positive workplace culture.
- Patient documentation. Administrative skills and clinical knowledge coalesce to help dental assistants accurately capture patient information and treatment notes. These details improve continuity of care and can also enhance patient satisfaction through personalization.
Thoroughly covered within Carrington College’s Dental Assisting certificate program, these competencies reflect Carrington College’s goal of preparing dental assistants to handle essential duties competently for a broad scope of dental specialties.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
The journey to becoming a dental assistant begins with structured training. This should include a blend of lecture and lab experiences, introducing you to a range of procedures and specialties while helping you build dexterity through hands-on practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain real-world clinical experience under the supervision of a dentist.
Within California, your dental assistant training will provide well-rounded preparation for the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) exam, offered through the Dental Board of California (DBC). This rigorous exam verifies your dental assisting knowledge, touching on infection control, patient safety, administrative support, and more.[11]
Be mindful of licensure requirements and how they vary between states. Within California, Carrington College Dental Assisting graduates are eligible to sit for the RDA exam. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Dental Assisting
Improve dental experiences through a noble and impactful field, and develop a well-rounded skill set with Carrington College’s dental assistant training. As a dental assistant, you will inspire confidence and improve comfort, all while providing crucial support for dental hygienists and dentists. Learn more about this certificate program or take the next step and get started with the admissions process.
Sources:
[1] Dental Assisting National Board. “Why dental assistants are the heart of the practice.” https://www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/certified-press/why-dental-assistants-are-the-heart-of-the-practice.
[2] Indeed. “Learn About Being a Dental Assistant.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-dental-assistant-do
[3] Dental Assisting National Board. “3 ways dental assistants go above and . However, dentalbeyond.” https://www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/blog/3-ways-dental-assistants-go-above-and-beyond
[4] Dental Assisting National Board. “A dental assistant’s vital role in infection control.” https://www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/blog/a-dental-assistant’s-vital-role-in-infection-control
[5] Centers for Disease Control. “Best Practices for Sterilization in Dental Settings.” https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/dental-ipc-faqs/dental-sterilization.html
[6] Centers for Disease Control. “Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care.” https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/index.html
[7] Jeong, C. “Coronal polishing: Indications and contraindications for dental assistants.” Dentistry iQ. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-assisting/career-enhancements/article/16365905/coronal-polishing-indications-and-contraindications-for-dental-assistants
[8] Centers for Disease Control. “Guidelines for ALARA – As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/safety/alara.html
[9] American Dental Association. “Dental Insurance 101: A Beginner’s Course for Office Staff.” https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/dental-insurance-resources/dental-insurance-101-a-beginners-course-for-office-staff-webinar
[10] Indeed. “17 Essential Skills for a Dental Assistant.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/skills-to-be-a-dental-assistant
[11] Dental Board of California. “How to Become a Registered Dental Assistant.” https://www.dbc.ca.gov/applicants/become_licensed_rda.shtml
