Example Dental Assistant Job Description (2022)

Free dental assistant job description. A dental assistant is a professional part of the dental team. They support the dental operator in providing efficient dental treatment. This includes assisting with dental procedures like tooth fillings, crowns, or extractions. The dental assistant may assist with taking x-rays of the patient and pouring dental impressions (molds of the patient's mouth). In addition, preparing the patient for surgery.

A dental assistant is sometimes referred to as a registered dental assistant.

Dental Assistant Job Description Sample

Our dental practice is seeking an experienced dental assistant and part-time dental hygienist to assist with general dental assistant duties. The ideal candidate is someone who has previous experience in a dental office, is familiar with dental equipment handling, cleaning, and operations. Qualified candidates should be certified through a dental assisting program from a college or university part of The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Dental Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Sample job duties and dental assistant responsibilities include:

• Assist the dentist with general patient care and assistance. This includes preparing the topical anesthetic, cleaning and handling dental instruments, and walking patients to the treatment room.
• Provide oral hygiene and dental hygiene instructions to patients after teeth cleanings.
• Provide teeth cleanings of each patients’ teeth using dental instruments for patients. Or assist the oral hygienist with the teeth cleaning procedure.
• Handle and prepare dental equipment like x-ray machines, mouth molding tools, and more.
• Assist with scheduling appointments for patients and ensuring patient records are accurate.
• Assist with general clerical tasks that the dental office requires.
• Coordinate patient care with other dental professionals.
• Provide patients with postoperative instructions and general oral health instructions after surgery. This includes instructions for infection control.
• Prepare dental fillings for the dentist.
• Help patients feel comfortable before and after surgery.
• Assist with office management tasks that often require the use of computer software.
• Provide direct patient care in all dental specialties. Including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.
• Ask about a patients medical history and take blood pressure or vital signs before any surgery or dental work is conducted.
• Help patients understand the next steps in their recovery process. Including instructions on how to handle dental treatment procedures, like the replacement of a filling.
• Act as a type of infection control officer, developing your own unique ways of preventing infections and creating infection control protocols. Including the sterilization of instruments and equipment before use of the dentist.

Dental Assistant Requirements

Qualified candidates should have the following:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Dental Assistant through a Dental Assistant Program from a school or college part of The Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• A high degree of verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Previous work in a dental office is a strong plus.
• Recent graduates or those who have recently completed their Certified Dental Assistant program are acceptable.
• A friendly and personalized attitude toward patients.

Dental Assistant Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dental assistant earns $19.27 per hour, on average. Equalling $40,080 in median annual wages.