Dental Assistants provide different types of patient care, office duties, and laboratory duties. They do not perform the same tasks that dental hygienists are licensed to perform.  Most work in dentist's offices while others work in physicians' offices, educational services, and hospitals.

Dental Assistants usually learn their skills on the job, although some receive training from dental-assisting programs offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, or the Armed Forces. High school students interested in a future career as a Dental Assistant should take courses in Biology, Chemistry, Health, and Office Practices.

Dental Assistants must be reliable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. In some states, dental assistants must be licensed or registered. They may be required to pass a written or practical exam. Dental Assistants who perform specialized duties, such as radiological procedures, may have to complete the Radiation Health and Safety examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).  Some states require a passing grade in a state-approved course in radiology.

Some dental assistants become office managers, dental-assisting instructors, or dental product sales representatives, but opportunities are limited for those without further education. Some dental assistants become dental hygienists after going back to school.

The job outlook for dental assistants is excellent -- employment in this field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that it will be the third fastest growing occupation for which a degree isn't required.

On a typical day a dental assistant who delivers patient care will:

Make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records.

Hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices.

Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Sometimes prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist.

Sometimes remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth

to isolate them for individual treatment.

On a typical day a dental assistant who performs laboratory duties will:

Make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions.

Clean and polish removable appliances.

Make temporary crowns.

On a typical day a dental assistant who performs office duties will:

Schedule and confirm appointments.

Receive patients.

Keep treatment records.

Send bills and receive payments.

Order supplies and materials.

Median hourly earnings for dental assistants were $13.62 in 2007. Median annual wages were $31,550

**Annual earnings are determined by a variety of factors including field, title, place of employment, level of education, experience and geography.**

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