I've been thinking about possibly becoming a dental assistant after high school. What are the everyday tasks like? Do they assist with procedures, or is it more admin stuff? Just trying to get a sense of the role.
Dental assistants play an integral role in the smooth functioning of a dental practice. They handle both patient care and administrative duties.
In terms of patient care, the duties of a dental assistant can include preparing patients for procedures, assisting the dentist during examinations and procedures, and providing patient education on dental hygiene. Examples of the tasks they perform include sterilizing dental instruments, handing instruments to the dentist during procedures, processing X-rays, and making impressions of patients' teeth for study casts.
On the administrative side, dental assistants are often responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and billing patients or their insurance providers. They may also order dental supplies and materials as needed.
It's worth noting that the specifics of a dental assistant's role can vary depending on the specific practice and the state's regulations. For example, in some states, dental assistants may be allowed to perform certain procedures like applying fluoride and sealants, while in other states, they may not be. Always make sure to check the specific regulations of your state if you decide to pursue this path.
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