Dental Assistant

Patient Care in Dentistry: What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

October 27, 2023

A smiling dental assisting course graduate posing with a denture model.

If you’re considering a healthcare career that allows you to work directly with patients, helping them take charge of their health, why not consider becoming a dental assistant? Oral health is a significant component of our general well-being. Dental assistants provide a wide range of services to the public in patient-facing roles, making them an essential part of any dental care practice. Their skills are sought-after by employers, and they enjoy stable positions and opportunities for career advancement as long as they continue to acquire new skills. Keep reading to discover more about the role of a dental assistant and how you can start pursuing this excellent career path. 

What Is a Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants are certified oral health care professionals who play a vital role in any dental care team. They work alongside dentists, assisting patients directly with dental hygiene and procedures. Dental assistants are instrumental in forging trusting relationships with patients and educating them. 

A dental assisting course graduate preparing technical elements for a procedure.
A dental assistant job requires a broad skill set and rigorous training

You may also be wondering what is the role of a dental assistant in Canada? The role is inherently collaborative, which provides them with a unique knowledge base that facilitates the work of dentists and hygienists. Due to their broad and continuing dental education, these professionals are easily able to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and offer valuable insights that keep dental practices running smoothly and on the cutting edge of the industry. 

The role is inherently collaborative, providing them with a unique knowledge base that facilitates the work of dentists and hygienists. Due to their broad and continuing dental education, these professionals can easily stay up-to-date on the latest trends and offer valuable insights that keep dental practices running smoothly and on the cutting edge of the industry. Now that you have a general idea of the role, you may wonder: what does a dental assistant do daily? 

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

The role of a dental assistant is multifaceted. Their job includes but is not limited to: 

  • Educating patients and their families regarding dental health
  • Providing chair support to the dentist
  • Preparing patients for dental examinations
  • Sterilizing and maintaining instruments and equipment
  • Ordering dental and office supplies
  • Performing reception and clerical duties
  • Taking and developing x-rays
  • Scheduling and invoicing dental exams

What are the cons of being a dental assistant? They must possess a wide range of specialized skills and dental knowledge and must complete a training program that adequately prepares them to meet the demands of a dental assistant job. The role, though rewarding, is quite demanding. The role, though rewarding, is quite demanding. Discover how the Dental Assisting Diploma Program at Medix College will help you start your career on the right foot.

 A dental assisting course graduate serving a patient chairside.
Get all the skills you need to land your dream job through dental assistance training

How We’ll Help You to Start Your Career

Our dental assisting students receive a profound understanding of fundamental dental knowledge, including general dental sciences, the principles of clinical dental assisting, preventative dental procedures, pharmacology, and emergency response. Our students also benefit from a compulsory 150-hour externship that allows them to discover applications of course material, hone their practical skills, and gain confidence. 

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to register with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association and pursue work in the following roles: 

  • Intra-Oral Dental Assistant
  • Dental Assistant/Administrator
  • Dental Office Assistant
  • Preventative Dental Assistant
  • Dental Assistant/ Receptionist

FAQs To Consider:

What does a dental assistant do?

The role of a dental assistant is multifaceted. Their job includes but is not limited to: 

  • Educating patients and their families regarding dental health
  • Providing chair support to the dentist
  • Preparing patients for dental examinations
  • Sterilizing and maintaining instruments and equipment
  • Ordering dental and office supplies
  • Performing reception and clerical duties
  • Taking and developing x-rays

What is the role of a dental assistant in Canada?

The role is inherently collaborative, which provides them with a unique knowledge base that facilitates the work of dentists and hygienists. Due to their broad and continuing dental education, these professionals are easily able to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and offer valuable insights that keep dental practices running smoothly and on the cutting edge of the industry. 

What are the cons of being a dental assistant? 

They must possess a wide range of specialized skills and dental knowledge and must complete a training program that adequately prepares them to meet the demands of a dental assistant job. The role, though rewarding, is quite demanding.

Are you ready to start our dental assisting course? 

Contact Medix College to learn more! 

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