Dental Assistant
Quick Facts
Median Salary$45,601
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+69.02%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Dental Assistant assists dentists in caring for patient's teeth. Helps patients get ready for treatment; prepares equipment and supplies. May perform some dental procedures under the direction of a dentist, such as fluoride application, if allowed under state regulations. Works in dental offices.
Core Tasks:
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
What to expect as a Dental Assistant
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
26% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Dental Assistant related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
11392 openings for Dental Assistants
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Dental Assistant. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.