Dental Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental Assistants help dentist provide dental care. They often work in teams with dental hygienists and laboratory technicians. They may work in health clinics, dental schools, nursing homes, and the military, but usually they work for dentists in private practice. Dental assistant duties include:

• Helping patients feel comfortable during treatment.

• Taking and developing dental x-rays.

• Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments and equipment

• Instructing patients about dental health care to include brushing and flossing

• Performing office management tasks.

Average Salary: $14,000- $25,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental assistants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

They must receive additional training at a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skills. Length of programs varies between six months and one year. To become certified, dental assistants must pass an examination from the Dental Assisting National Board.

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