Dental assistants perform a variety of paraprofessional patient care functions, office tasks, and laboratory duties. They typically work in dentists’ offices, dental labs, and medical clinics. Dental assistants sterilize and disinfect, prepare, and lay out materials. They make patients comfortable and prepare them for treatment. Dental assistants hand instruments to the dentist, keep patients’ mouths dry and clear, and instruct patients on dental care.
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CRT - Dental Assisting
Dental assistants may prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take x-rays, remove sutures, and apply anesthesia. In the lab they may make casts of teeth and crowns and prepare temporary crowns.
Dental assistants may advance to become office managers, instructors in dental assisting, or dental product salespeople. Opportunities are limited without formal education. With education dental assistants may go on to become dental hygienists. Some states require licensing or registration for dental assistants, which may require a passing grade on a written or practice exam.
Dentists are hiring more dental assistants so they can do more complex procedures. As a result, job prospects for dental assistants are excellent.
With a diploma from Penn Foster Career School you can become a dental assistant and begin a rewarding career in healthcare. With online classes at Penn Foster Career School, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
