Video:Day in the Life: Dental Assistant

Transcript:Day in the Life: Dental Assistant

Hi, I'm Nadia Chapman for About.com. Today I am taking you to the dentist to figure out what is a day in the life of a dental assistant. Follow me!

Dental Assistants Start Their Day With Paperwork

A typical day for a dental assistant starts with preparing the paperwork, and the material for the day. As the patients arrive, the assistant makes them feel comfortable by explaining the procedures, installing them in their chair, reviewing dental records, and other paperwork.

Dental Assistants Help the Dentist With Patients

When the dentist is with the patient, the dental assistant assists the doctor by handing the instruments, keeping the patient's mouth dry and clear using suction. Basically, the dental assistant is asked to help the dentist during the patient's visit. That can be anything from taking the X-rays, removing stitches, taking teeth impressions, and applying anesthetic to the area that will be worked on. A dental assistant is also someone that gives advices on dental hygiene, and also instructs the patients on specific cares for after the doctor's visit.

Dental Assistants Sterilize Equipment

After the patient's visit, the dental assistant is the one sterilizing the instruments, and making sure the work area is clean, polished, and ready for the next patient. Sometimes, dental assistants are also doing most of the secretarial aspects and will handle payments and schedule appointments.

Additional Duties for a Dental Assistant

Further responsibilities would also be to order the supplies for the whole dental office, deal with deliveries, and store the material upon receiving. She or he is the one preparing the patient's chair, organizing the lab, and making sure everything is in the right place.

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