Dental Assistant

Job purpose

Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Preparing examination and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and moving equipment into place
• Preventing the spread of infection and disease by maintaining a surgically clean work environment
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following treatment
• Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;

(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)

Qualifications

Expanded functions preferred

Working conditions

Dental practices run at a fast pace and dental assistants will be required to keep up with the flow of doctors and patients.

Physical requirements

Dental Assistants will be required to :