Dental Assistant

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Prepare patients for dental examinations
• Prepare plaster models and moulds
• Supervise dental assistants in their health care functions
• Train other dental laboratory assistants
• Order dental and office supplies
• Perform administrative functions for the dental laboratory
• Maintain and order supplies
• Mould wax over dentures set-up
• Perform reception and clerical duties
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
• Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
• Supervise students in training
• Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
• Schedule and confirm appointments
• Perform intra-oral duties
• Take and develop X-rays
• Record dental procedures performed on patients
• Invoice patients for dental services
• Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts

Credentials

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses 

• Certification by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board

Additional information

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Fast-paced environment
• Work under pressure
• Repetitive tasks
• Attention to detail
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Hand-eye co-ordination

Personal suitability

• Client focus
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Flexibility
• Team player
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication