Dental assistants work in dentists' offices, helping to treat and examine patients.
They help by handing the dentist the proper instruments, taking and processing x-rays, preparing materials for making impressions and restorations, and instructing the patient in oral health care. There are good reasons to expect that the demand for dental assistants will continue to grow. Public awareness of dental health and appearance has increased substantially in recent years. Improvements in the dental care industry along with greater accessibility to dental insurance has insured a strong job market for dental assistants. Career Opportunities Dental assistants hold more than 176,000 jobs in private dental offices, group practices, dental schools, hospitals, public health departments, private clinics, and Veterans' and Public Service hospitals.