Want To Work In A Dental Office

Do you want to work in a dental office? Do you want to provide essential office support? A career as a dental assistant can provide you with the opportunity to spend your days in a comfortable office setting, working alongside dentists and other dental professionals. From delivering patient care to performing laboratory and office duties, you can have a fulfilling career.

A Typical Day as a Dental Assistant

In a busy dental office, there are always patient to tend to before, during and after treatment. Here are some dental assisting duties related to patient care:

• Make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair
• Obtain dental records
• Set up tray for dental procedures
  
• Prepare patients for treatment
• Hand instruments and materials to dentists
• Keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment
• Instruct patients about general oral health care
• Remove sutures
• Apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth
• Remove excess cement used in the filling process
• Place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment
  
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You will also assist the dentist with laboratory duties that include:Make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions

• Clean and polish removable appliances
• Make temporary crowns
  

Additionally, you will play a vital role by performing essential duties that keep the dental office running in a smooth manner:

• Schedule and confirm appointments
• Receive patients
• Keep treatment records
• Send bills and receive payments
• Order supplies and materials

Dental office assisting is regulated on a state-by-state basis. Your job duties may vary from those listed above.

A career as a dental assistant provides reward and opportunity every day - where no two days are the same. Whether you work part-time or enjoy a variable schedule, there are opportunities to build a career that works for you. With formal dental assistant training, such as Allied's Dental Assistant Program, you will be prepared to start your career in a dental office. And with job prospects being excellent - a 29% increase in the next decade - you will benefit from a long-term career opportunity.