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A Career as a Dental Assistance
Pursuing a career as a dental assistant can be very interesting. Most of the dental assistants work full time at the office the dentists but some of them can work part-time. They work together with dentists and dental hygienists to deliver services to the patients. Dental assistants help in handling and keeping patient records. They also perform x-rays on patients and provide medical cares. Besides, they catalog medical appointments on behalf of the dentists. In the United States; there are several career paths in becoming a dental assistant. An individual can obtain a certificate, diploma or a degree in any of the accredited learning institution in the country. They must also display exceptional personalities and expertise in the delivery of medical services to the patients. A dental assistance career in the United States undergoes exponential growth because of the increased demand for precautionary and protective dental care (Endsley 67). Their salaries have also increased in the past decades.
Job Description and Work Environment
A dental assistant plays a significant role in the delivery of quality dental services. The main responsibilities of a dental assistant are to provide patient care, perform x-ray exercises, and keep medical records and to arrange for appointments. However, the duties of an assistant vary depending on the dentist they are working with and the facility or state they are working in. they disinfect dental instrument before any medical procedure (Brame 618). They prepare the working spare and make sure that the patient is comfortable before the dentists begin any dental procedures or treatments. The dental assistants also need to be present during medical procedures to provide the dentist with appropriate medical equipment. They should also ensure that the patients’ mouth is dry by draining their saliva using special suction hoses. Besides, the assistants can guide patients on dental hygiene and handle the payments of the patients.
The work environment of the dental assistants involves working with other professional. The daily activities of the dental assistant are supervised by the dentists. For instance, in some states, the dental assistant can be allowed to perform some roles of the dentist but under appropriate direction or supervision. Such procedures include coronal polishing and the application of fluorides, dental sealants and topical anesthetics. They also work together with dental hygienists. The assistants also wear surgical masks, protective clothes, glasses and gloves to protect themselves and the patients from harmful x-ray radiations and infectious diseases.
Qualities of an Effective Dental Assistant
To achieve success in the dental assistant career, individuals need to possess some personality traits, skills and expertise. An effective dental assistant must have exceptional communication skills. Since they have to take instructions from the dentists they must possess sharpened listening skills and ability to execute instructions. When interacting with the patients, exceptional communication skills will help them in listening to the problems of the patients and in guiding ...