WHAT IS A DENTAL ASSISTANT?

Updated: July 05, 2025 - The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting with high-quality patient care by performing a variety of laboratory duties and maintaining a clean, organized office and chair side environment for all patients. The Dental Assistant works directly with patients to ensure their treatment plan is met. The Dental Assistant also provides direct support to the doctor to ensure patient treatments are completed efficiently and effectively.

Need-to-Know Overview of a Dental Assistant

1. Dental Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop rapport with patients and greet them in a friendly manner.
  • Review patient medical history and current medication with patient prior to treatment.
  • Ensure patients are physically comfortable throughout entire treatment process.
  • Make a pre-operative radiograph for patient.
  • Record patient’s present problem or complaint in the treatment record.
  • Take patient X-Rays throughout treatment as needed.
  • Assist patients with forms/paperwork, as needed.
  • Answer patient questions and collaborate with the doctor on answers as needed.
  • Prepare chair side area for treatment procedures prior to patient’s appointment.
  • Complete and perform necessary
  • Assist the doctors by providing them with proper equipment throughout patient procedures.
  • Prepare exam tray, cart and counter set up for patient procedures prior to the patient’s arrival.
  • Sterilize all instruments and equipment.
  • Efficiently and effectively respond to the doctors needs, work flow style and requests while assisting with patient treatments.
  • Monitor instruments and send for repairs.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the work area daily.
  • Restock and maintain chair side supplies, medications for patients and nitrous oxide, as needed.
  • Monitor autoclave efficiency.
  • Perform biofilm protocol consistently.
  • Clean suction traps weekly and flush water lines each morning.
  • Empty water reservoir bottles at the end of each workweek.
  • Establish and maintain working relationships with appropriate carriers and vendors.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with the office team to ensure plans and solutions meet patient needs and expectations.
  • Attend staff meetings as needed.
  • Work independently or in a collaborative team environment.
  • Attend required training.

2. Dental Assistant Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Degree Requirement: Associates Degree. May substitute an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Bilingual (Spanish Speaking)
  • Maryland Radiology License
  • Years of Experience: 2+ years in a medical/dental assistant role.
  • Proficiency Level Required with MS Office Products: basic.
  • CPR Training Certificate required.
  • Radiology Certificate required.
  • OSHA Training Certificate required.
  • Must remain OSHA compliant in regards to appearance and grooming of hair and nails; must also wear approved uniform and shoes for clinical setting.
  • Experience with working in a small office environment.
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbally.
  • Effective time management skills and ability to multitask, prioritize and organize.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Function effectively in a time-sensitive environment while meeting multiple deadlines.
  • Must have experience with digital imaging; imaging quality must be sufficient.