They can also do mouth inspections, charting, and placing or removing dressings even when the dentist is not around. The examination room is quiet, fairly comfortable if the assistant is sitting, and brightly lit. Assistants may have to stand while helping the dentist at the chair, but modern methods now make it possible to do many chairside duties while seated. A Dental Assistant's job is often stressful due to the nature of the work. Sometimes a patient's treatment can be painful, so Assistants must be able to comfort and calm down worried and frightened patients.
Assistants have to be careful to protect patients and themselves from infection.
Assistants must wear safety eye glasses, rubber gloves, and masks over their mouths while working chairside. The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Dental Assistants in California will reach 39,050 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 12,190 over the number there was in 1993. There will also be an estimated 11,350 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 12,190 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 23,540 job opportunities through 2005. Training can be gotten through community colleges and public and private adult vocational schools.