Dental Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental assistants help dentists provide dental care. They often work with teams with dentist hygienists and laboratory technicians. They may work in health clinics, dental schools, nursing homes, and military, but usually they work for dentist in private practice. Dental assistant duties include:

. Helping patients feel comfortable during treatment.

. Talking and developing dental x-rays.

. Talking medical histories for patients.

. Strerilizing and preparing dental instruments and equipment.

. Instructing patients about dental health care to include brushing and flossing

. Performing office management tasks.

Average Salary: $14,000-$25,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental assitants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

They must receive additional training at a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skills. Length of programs varies between six months and one year. To become certified, dental assistants must pass an examination from the Dental Assisting National Board.