So, you are thinking about becoming a dental assistant. You may be asking yourself what is a day in the life of a dental assistant? What are the job duties of a dental assistant? Well, the day in the life of a dental assistant is never dull. You will never have the same day twice and you will never be bored. So, what are the tasks and duties of a dental assistant?

• Clean and sanitize the examination room.
• Greet the patient, take the patient to the room, and make sure they are comfortable.
• Listen and understand the patient’s needs.
• Get the patients’ medical history.
• Take vital signs.
• Take and pour dental impressions.
• Sterilize dental equipment and instruments.
• Take and process dental x-rays.
• Prepare patients and operating rooms for procedures.
• Make sure the proper instrumentation is ready for procedures.
• Assist in dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions.
• Operate equipment and monitors.
• Make temporary crowns.
• Prepare materials for restorative procedures.
• Remove sutures.
• Apply anesthetics.
• Apply cavity-preventing material such as fluoride or sealants.
• Teach patients how to have proper oral hygiene care.
• Office duties such as:
  • Setting and confirming appointments
  • Updating and keeping up with dental records.
  • Following up with patients after dental procedures.
  • Checking patients in and out.
  • Handing billing.
  • Make reminder appointment calls.
  • Order and monitor office supplies.
• Ask patients if they are ok during procedures.
• Supply patients with headphones, earplugs, or eyewear.
• Hand equipment and instruments to the dentist during procedures.
• Assist in emergencies with CPR or first aid.
• Plus, much more!

These are just a few tasks and duties of a dental assistant. You have to be flexible and versatile in order to keep up with the busy, always changing tasks. Dental assisting is a rewarding career. If you are interested in becoming a dental assistant in Central Texas, Sanger Education is a great Waco dental assistant school. If you have asked yourself where the best 12-week dental assistant program near me, look no further. Enroll at Sanger Education off of Sanger Ave in Waco, Texas.