Table of Contents
What do dental assistants do to protect themselves?
Dental assistants wear safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases.
What does a day in the life of a dental assistant look like?
Reviewing the patient schedule for the day and getting patient medical records ready. Ensuring all dental instruments are sterilized. Setting up procedure rooms with necessary dental instruments. Making sure procedure rooms are clean.
What are dental assistants not allowed to do?
The following functions are not permitted by any level of dental assistant: 2. Charting caries and periodontal conditions as an aid to diagnosis by the dentist 9. Polishing teeth, including existing restorations 35.
Do dental assistants perform surgery?
Perform medical procedures like preparing and dressing the surgical site, assisting the dental surgeon during surgery, suture removal after surgery, or during a follow-up visit with the patient.
Can a dental assistant remove braces?
2. The allowable duties of an orthodontic assistant permit-holder. A registered dental assistant shall not be required to complete further instruction in the duties of placing ligature ties and archwires, removing orthodontic bands and removing excess cement from tooth surfaces with a hand instrument.
What do you need to know about being a dental assistant?
Detail oriented. Dental assistants must follow specific rules and protocols, such as infection control procedures, when helping dentists treat patients. Dexterity. Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, using precise tools and instruments.
How are dental assistants can work in periodontics?
The dental assistant will also support the periodontist with minor oral surgery. Dental assistants can support the hygienist with scaling and polishing treatments that are necessary to eradicate plaque from the mouth. The dental assistant helps the patient stay calm during treatments and procedures.
How many Dental Assisting programs are there in the US?
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), part of the American Dental Association, accredits about 250 dental assisting training programs. Accredited programs include classroom and laboratory work. Students learn about teeth, gums, jaws, and other areas that dentists work on and the instruments that dentists use.
Do you need CPR to be a dental assistant?
Legally, a dental assistant needs to know CPR in order to respond in an emergency as well. To be allowed to do more advanced functions, such as taking x-rays or performing coronal polishes, many states require dental assistants to be licensed or certified, and those requirements vary by state.