Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials. Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks. Top Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area is usually near the dental chair, so they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication, and hand them to the dentist when needed.
Dental assistants wear gloves and masks to protect themselves from infectious diseases.
Following safety procedures minimizes the risks of handling radiographic equipment. Top Dental assistants held about 229,000 jobs in 1998. More than 3 out of 10 worked part time, sometimes in more than one dental office. Virtually all dental assistants work in a private dental office. A small number work in dental schools, private and government hospitals, State and local public health departments, or in clinics.