<p>A dental assistant works at chairside while the dentist examines and treats patients. The dental assistant makes the patient comfortable in the chair, prepares the patient for treatment, obtains dental records, prepares impression and restorative materials, exposes and processes dental radiographs, and hands the dentist the proper instruments and materials. The assistant also sterilizes and disinfects instruments, prepares dental tray setups, and instructs the patient in postoperative and general oral health care.</p>

Dental Assisting | SkillUp Coalition

Dental Assisting

Camden County College

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Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.