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Dental Assistant Definition: Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Daily Life Of a Dental Assistant

• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
• Clean and polish removable appliances.
• Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.

Essential Skills for Dental Assistants

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Job Demand for Dental Assistants

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 332,000 jobs in the United States for Dental Assistants. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 64,600 new jobs for Dental Assistants by 2026. The BLS estimates 45,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Dental Assistants are Arizona, Maryland, and Utah.

Average Salary of a Dental Assistant

The average yearly salary of a Dental Assistant ranges between $26,940 and $54,800.

Dental Assistants who work in Minnesota, New Hampshire, or the District of Columbia make the highest salaries.

Tools & Technology Used by Dental Assistants

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Email software
• Word processing software
• Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft

How to Become a Dental Assistant

Learn what Dental Assistant education requirements there are.

Dental Assistants Work in Various Industries

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