Dental assistants support patient care by performing a wide range of clinical, technical, and administrative duties. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared for:
- Assisting the dentist during various clinical procedures
- Capturing and processing dental radiographs (x‑rays)
- Reviewing a patient’s medical history and obtaining vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse
- Serving as the infection control lead by developing protocols and preparing/sterilizing instruments and equipment
- Helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
- Providing postoperative and home‑care instructions following surgeries or restorative procedures
- Teaching effective oral hygiene practices to patients (e.g., brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling)
- Taking dental impressions for study models
- Carrying out office management duties, often involving computer-based tasks
- Communicating with patients and suppliers, including scheduling, phone calls, billing, and supply ordering
- Assisting with direct patient care across dental specialties such as orthodontics, pediatrics, periodontics, and oral surgery
- Placing and finishing direct restorations (fillings) and temporary crowns
- Performing coronal polishing and preventive fluoride
Adapted from the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA). Source: https://adaausa.org/about/about-adaa/