Dental care holds the top spot when it comes to maintaining an optimum level of hygiene. Many dental clinics ensure to offer services that prioritize the care of the patients. However, visiting a dental care facility is no cakewalk due to the anxiety that is involved regarding the treatment procedures. In addition to being an expert and experienced doctor, a skilled dental assistant is also important to make patients feel comfortable.

Job role of a dental assistant
Dental assistants form the core of a dental care facility. They are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. The work responsibilities, certification requirements mandated by the state, training, and experience level of the individual tend to vary per different states. To become a certified dental assistant, it is necessary to clear the Dental Assistant exam conducted by the Dental Assisting National Board.

Responsibilities of a dental assistant
There are varied kinds of tasks dental assistants perform to ensure the smooth functioning of the dental care clinic. The assistants work with the dentists as well as dental hygienists on a regular basis, and it is under their guidance that they gain experience in handling a dental care facility. The assistants also aid in ensuring that the dental procedures run smoothly and that the day-to-day functioning of the dental office is efficient. Moreover, there are various other duties that a dental assistant needs to perform, and these are:

• Taking calls and fixing an appointment with the dentist
• Regularly updating and maintaining patients’ health records
• Coding and the creation of insurance forms
• Scheduling referrals and testing appointments
• Everyday office administration
• Guiding patients to the examination room
• Ensuring that the patients visiting are at ease in the dental chair
• Guiding patients and organizing work areas for various dental procedures and treatments
• Ensuring the dental instruments remain clean and sterilized
• Passing instruments required by the dentist while performing dental procedures
• Drying out the mouth of the patient with suction hoses and different equipment before the procedures
• Guiding patients about the maintenance of proper oral hygiene
• Assisting the dentist during dental procedures such as filling, extractions, and crown placing
• Ordering and maintaining dental supplies as per requirement
• Creating dental impressions and preparing materials for the crown
• Giving postoperative instructions under the supervision of the dentist
• Helping with X-rays of patients and completing tasks of the clinic as per the dentist’s direction
• Maintaining records of dental procedures
• Maintenance of confidentiality of the patient’s record
• Post-procedure sanitization of space and cleaning equipment
• Evaluating new equipment and techniques and calling for repairs of old equipment
• Application of fluoride, sealants, and a topical anesthetic
• Asking patients about any previous dental procedure or medical history
• Handling billing and payments of patients
• Providing guidelines and following safety practices post-surgery
• Selecting and organizing tools and equipment as per requirement and procedure

Skills that can make you a perfect dental assistant

Technical skills
The work of a dental assistant is to perform various dental procedures under the supervision of the dentist, which includes fillings, crowns, and more. To perform these procedures, the assistant is required to possess a few technical skills which may help them work efficiently. These skills include:

• In-depth knowledge about the latest dental procedures so that the assistant can foresee the order of operations
• Ability to take dental impressions X-rays, and blood pressure
• Significant knowledge of the different dental materials
• The maintenance of equipment and tools present in the dental care office

Interpersonal skills
Not all people feel comfortable visiting a dentist, especially children. A dental assistant forms the first point of contact for patient interaction, so they need to be compassionate and friendly. Good interpersonal skills are also important as the assistant needs to:

• Help patients prepare for the procedure or surgery and ensure they remain relaxed
• Know about their past oral and physical health history
• Diligently listen to their problems
• Have effective communication skills as they need to provide information to the patients about oral hygiene and post-surgery care

Admin skills
The work of a dental assistant includes managing office-related administrative work on a regular basis. These tasks may include:

• Conducting office management work which includes computer-based work
• Sorting out bills and payments with vendors and patients
• Keeping a track of supplies and ordering dental tools as and when required
• Maintaining a proper record of scheduled appointments

If you feel you have the skills required to be a dental assistant then enroll at the nearest educational facility offering dental courses and get through the dental assistant exam to start your career.