Being coachable, jumping in where needed, and learning as you go is what a dental assistant is all about. Our best dental assistants aren’t the ones with the 100’s on their tests, it’s the ones who are coachable, hands-on, and who are willing to fail a few times. Being a dental assistant isn’t easy! Actually, it’s more like a juggling act. Dental assistants are the “go to” people in the office. They work hard and have fun all at the same time. Dentistry is a very rewarding career and the opportunities are endless.

So, what are the basics of dental assisting? 

Once you decide to make a change and pursue a career in dentistry, the next step is to research education and certification requirements. This step can quickly become overwhelming, which is why it’s so important to have a guide. 

Sanger Education Dental Assisting School is the premier dental assisting school in Waco, Texas, and we want to provide the resources and information you need to make a well-informed decision about your career in dental assisting. 

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental assistants are qualified professionals who contribute significantly to the dental team. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, from patient care to office and laboratory duties. ​Some of the primary responsibilities of dental assistants are: 

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
• Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays).
• Asking about the patient’s medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse.
• Serving as an infection control officer.
• Developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures such as the placement of a restoration (filling) and more. 

What do you learn in dental assisting school?

Throughout dental assisting training, you can have the opportunity to learn varied tasks, including:

• Vital sign checks
• CPR
• Instrument sterilization and prep
• Oral inspections
• X-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Patient education
• Scheduling
• Patient charts
• Records and supply maintenance
• Accounts payable and fee collections
• Insurance forms

Dental assisting is a crucial role that is in high demand. Hands-on training, fast-paced programs, and a great career outlook are just some of the many benefits of dental assisting school. Dental assisting is a crucial role that is in high demand. If you are wanting to become a dental assistant, then Sanger Education is the place for you. Click now to learn more about our 12-week program.