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What does a Dental Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A dental assistant is a member of the dental team who helps to provide dental care to patients. Dental assistants work alongside dentists and other dental professionals to help provide oral health care to patients. They may assist in providing preventive care, such as cleaning teeth and taking x-rays, or they may help with more invasive procedures, such as preparing teeth for fillings or extractions.

Dental Assistant job duties include:

  • Cleaning teeth
  • Examining patients for oral problems
  • Providing instruction on oral hygiene
  • Making dental impressions
  • Taking X-rays
  • Applying fluoride and sealants
  • Assisting with dental procedures
  • Keeping treatment areas clean and sterile
  • Maintaining equipment and supplies

Dental Assistant Job Requirements

Dental assistants typically need to have completed a dental assistant program at a community college or technical school. Some states require certification, and most employers prefer candidates with experience. Dental assistants should be detail-oriented, have good hand-eye coordination, and be able to work well under pressure.

Dental Assistant Skills

  • Dental Assisting
  • Dental Radiography
  • Dental Office Administration
  • Dental Insurance Billing and Coding
  • Dental Materials Science
  • Dental Anatomy and Physiology
  • Dental Pathology
  • Head and Neck Anatomy
  • Oral Biology
  • Oral Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutrition

Related: Top Dental Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Dental Assistant

A dental assistant is a vital member of any dental team. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including sterilizing equipment, preparing patients for procedures, taking x-rays, and assisting the dentist during procedures. Becoming a dental assistant is a great way to start a career in the medical field.

The first step to becoming a dental assistant is to complete an accredited dental assisting program. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, or online. Once you have completed a program, you will then need to pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to earn your certification.

Once you have your certification, you will need to find a job in a dental office. Many times, dental assistants start as part-time employees and then move into full-time positions as they gain experience. Some dental assistants may also choose to specialize in a certain area of dentistry, such as orthodontics or pediatrics.

No matter what path you take, becoming a dental assistant is a great way to begin a rewarding career in the medical field. With hard work and dedication, you can be on your way to helping people achieve optimal oral health!

Related: Dental Assistant Resume Example

Related: Dental Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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