Dental assistants are a very important part of the dental team. They are saddled with a very demanding responsibility of ensuring they do everything possible for the overall well-being of their patients. The responsibilities do not only include caring for patients but also office duties, laboratory assignments with chairside duties. A dental assistant’s duty is to make the patient at ease from the time a patient enters the clinic until they leave.
Personal hygiene would not be complete without proper dental care. That is why from the time we grew our first tooth, we have to take care of them daily and schedule regular visits to the dentist’s office. However, to some people, these visits are not as pleasant as they should be, unless a dental assistant is there to ease the anxiety and comfort the patient every step of the way.
One of the most important skills a dental assistant should have is effective interpersonal skills, not just dental knowledge and skills. A good dental assistant should be able to ease you and make you comfortable for your cleaning or dental work with their communication skills and empathy. Let’s look closer at what makes a good dental assistant.
Role and Duties of a Dental Assistant
Working as a dental assistant is a very fulfilling role because you get to see and provide medical help to different people daily. However, for you to succeed you need to have a good personality, empathy, and dental skills.
The following are some of the specific duties carried out by dental assistants:
- Assisting the dentist with the different dental procedures.
- Make sure the patients are very comfortable all through the dental procedure.
- Handling tasks in the office such as managing the patient’s records.
- Obtaining prior dental records of patients.
- Taking and developing X-rays.
- Taking impressions of patient’s teeth for study casts.
- Investigating and recording the medical history of the patients.
- Checking and recording the patient’s blood pressure.
- Ensuring that the clinic environment is infection-free through sterilization of instruments, equipment, and surfaces.
- Informing patients about necessary oral care they need after any dental treatment or surgery.
- Advise the patients on how to carry out good oral practices to promote good dental health. This includes flossing, using mouthwash, proper tooth brushing, etc.
- Managing communication with patients, which includes phone calls, supply orders, appointment scheduling, billing, etc.
The dental assistant’s table is always located next to the dental chair because they play an important role in handling instruments the dentist needs throughout the procedure. As a result of these crucial roles they play, it is important that they wear protective clothing such as scrubs, gloves, and eyewear to reduce the chance of them contracting any disease from the patients.
Also when they are taking the patient’s X-rays, it is very important that they follow the safety rules to reduce radiation risks.
The job of a dental assistant is very fulfilling but is also demanding. Working as a dental assistant requires you to devote around 40-hours per week, which may include weekends.
The Dental Experts of Simi Valley, CA are Here For You!
The Dental Group of Simi Valley has been creating beautiful smiles since 1963. 
We use modern technology, which includes CEREC, digital X-rays, CAM, and 3D imaging to make your visit to the clinic as easy and painfree as it can be. Our dental assistants are well skilled to handle your dental care needs and make you feel at home before, throughout, and after your appointment!
The Dental Group of Simi Valley is a family-owned and managed dental practice lovingly operated by Dr. Herschel Berger and Dr. Laura Jen Kin. The clinic proudly serves residents of the Simi Valley community.
At the Dental Group of Simi Valley, we are concerned with the oral health of the entire family by providing the following:
- oral diagnosis
- preventative oral care
- fillings
- treatment plans
- root canals
- TMJ treatment
- periodontal care
- porcelain crowns and bridges and more
If you need to see a dentist for any dental issue or you want to ensure you are doing your best to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy, give us a call today!
