This is an exciting time to enter a career in Dental Assisting. New materials and techniques have made dental treatment more comfortable and safer than ever before. Simultaneously, the responsibilities and duties of the assistant are expanding and new career opportunities are rapidly developing. As a Dental Assistant, you will prepare patients to see the dentist, assist the dentist at chairside during patient care, and care for the treatment room and instruments, including all infection control procedures. You will be taking and processing dental x-rays, performing basic laboratory procedures and providing patient education.
Most graduates currently serve the profession in private dental offices.
These offices are staffed by both general practitioners and specialists in the dental profession. Other assistants are employed by the rapidly growing group-practice systems. Federal agencies, including clinics and hospitals of the Veteran's Administration and the U.S. Public Health Service, also employ Dental Assistants. Employment opportunities in the allied health field are on the rise. As a Dental Assistant, you will be a vital member of the health care team.