Austin Dental Assistants Differ from Dental Hygienists
Dental assistants help dentists with patient care, office tasks, and lab duties. Dental assistants perform a variety of tasks, depending on the dental office they work in. They work closely with dentists as they examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. They obtain dental records and prepare patients for their exam. Dental assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists during procedures. They use suction devices to keep patients' mouths dry and clear. They also sterilize the instruments and equipment and prepare tray setups. When patients have surgery, dental assistants instruct them in postoperative care. They also teach patients about general oral health care, such as how to control plaque. In addition, they record exam and treatment information in patients' charts.
 Did you know about the Austin District Dental Hygienists Association? Learn more about local news, events and other dental related issues in Austin at www.austindentalhygiene.org.
Some dental assistants have other duties that require more training. They take x-rays of patients' teeth and process the film. They remove stitches or apply numbing agents to patients' gums. In addition, they apply fluoride to patients' teeth to prevent cavities. Dentists may also train assistants to prepare teeth for the cavity filling process. Assistants also learn to remove excess cement after the process is done.
Dental assistants who have lab duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists. They also may polish removable appliances, such as bridges, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm patient appointments. They keep records, send bills, and take payments. They also order dental supplies and materials.
Dental Assistants frequently:
- Assist dentists at chair-side as they examine and treat patients.
- Make patients comfortable and prepare them for treatment.
- Hand instruments and materials to dentists. Clear patients' mouths using suction or other devices.
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment. Prepare setups for dental procedures.
- Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
- Record treatment information in patients' charts.
- Take dental x-rays and process x-ray film.
- Remove stitches and apply numbing agents to gums.
- Apply fluoride to patients' teeth.
- Make casts of teeth and mouth or temporary crowns from impressions of patients' teeth.
- Clean and polish removable dental appliances, such as bridges.
- Schedule and confirm appointments with patients.
- Send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.
Content provided by the Minnesota Board of Education
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