What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental assistants are responsible for providing the patient with high quality care by performing a variety of office, laboratory, and patient care duties. This usually entails helping the dentist handle patients, instruments, and supplies during the treatment of the teeth, mouth, and gums. Dental assistants also document patient care and take x-rays.
Most dental assistants are Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs). While requirements vary by state, it is common to require the following to become an RDA: completion of an accredited dental assistant program, completion of a minimum number of work hours, certification in CPR, and passing of a practical and written exam. Dental assistants must have strong interpersonal and listening skills.
- Take and document patient dental history and updates, as well as overall health and medication history
- Assist dentist by handling supplies and instruments as requested
- Prepare tables and trays for dentist with necessary instruments and supplies
- Clean and sterilize instruments, and prepare treatment rooms as needed
- Take, expose, and mount high quality dental radiographs
- Ensure appropriate supply of equipment and materials
- Perform patient charting as instructed by the dentist
- Welcome patients and get them situated in the appropriate treatment room
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
- Licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)
- Current CPR certification preferred
- Radiology certification preferred
- 1-2 years of experience as an RDA
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to follow outlined policies and guidelines
- Possess a professional and positive attitude
How much does a Dental Assistant make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$43,432
/ yrDental Assistant Career Path
Learn how to become a Dental Assistant, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Dental Assistant Insights
Yalobusha General Hospital“My supervisor was very understanding and worked with me the best he could it was a very rewarding job”
Mobile Dental Care“Entire team was so helpful and was always open to teach and answer any questions that I had.”
Dentsply Sirona“The culture really is amazing and I don't feel overwhelmed with the work needed on a daily basis.”
Clairemont Pediatric Dental“Dr.Nguyen its super flexible and reasonable with the schedule which is one of the many reasons why I love working here.”
Jennings Orthodontics (TX)“By far one of the best dental offices I've worked at private or corporate.”
Aspen Dental“All training provided (I didn't go to school for anything remotely dental).”
Smile Doctors“There was little to no work life balance at the local office I worked at.”
“It’s salary paid so if a procedure takes longer than normal you still get paid for an 8 hour day.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Dental Assistant
When working as a Dental Assistant, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Suturing, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Administering, Reviews, and Customer Focus.
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Professional
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
The most common qualifications to become a Dental Assistant include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.