Dental assistant administrative tasks: answering phones and scheduling appointments, updating and maintaining patient dental records, overseeing patient registration procedures, coding and preparing insurance forms, scheduling referral and testing appointments, general office management, assistants Dental teeth are a vital part of any dental health care team. Dental assistant functions may include patient care, record keeping and scheduling appointments. Their functions vary depending on the state and the offices of the dentists in which they work¹. Even so, basic dental care skills and administrative work are key to success in this career.
Right next to every successful dentist is a capable and committed dental assistant who understands common dental procedures, maintains focus, and makes things run smoothly. If you need a dental assistant, providing a detailed and effective dental assistant job description and salary information (if applicable) is the first step in attracting top talent to your office. By customizing the following sample job description, you'll be able to find better qualified dental assistant candidates for your vacant position. Explore our dental assistant job offers for more tips and advice for writing your own job description.
If you find the dental assistant's tasks and responsibilities rewarding, then it's time to discuss what you can expect. If you're interested in learning more about how to get your certificate, Carrington College offers a dental assistance program that can be completed in as little as nine months. Dental assistance programs can take between one and two years to complete, depending on whether the desired result is a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. To be allowed to perform more advanced functions, such as taking x-rays or performing coronal enamels, many states require dental assistants to be licensed or certified, and those requirements vary by state.
A dental assistant is often the first face patients see when they walk through the door, so be kind and compassionate. Dental assistants help dentists with basic tasks, such as impressions and managing equipment during procedures. Dental care is an excellent career option if you're looking for stability and excellent job prospects. Your role in a dental office is crucial because your functions help keep dental procedures running smoothly and office operations organized and efficient.
With these classes under your belt, you could be better prepared to tackle the world of dental assistants and develop a career you can be proud of. If you're considering a career as a dental assistant, here are some important questions to ask about what to expect from work. Learning about these skills can lead to the next steps in your professional training journey as a dental assistant. Once you are eligible for certification, upon completing a degree, or through 2 years of full-time experience, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the National Dental Assistance Board (DANB), as well as certification requirements unique to your state.
