Dental assistants assist dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and perform clerical functions. Dental assistants work primarily in dentists' offices, or they may be employed by government and educational institutions.
Dental Assistants can perform some or all of the following duties:
Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during the examination
Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
Schedule patient appointments and record dental procedures performed
Invoice patients for dental services
Order dental and office supplies
Take and develop X-rays
Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
Fabricate temporary crowns and restorations.
Employment Requirments:
Completion of a three-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance or Completion of secondary school with onthe- job training is required.
Licensing is not mandatory, but is required to perform intra-oral duties in all provinces except in Quebec.
Additional information
In most provinces, there are two levels of dental assistants: Level I - chair-side assistant and Level II - intra-oral assistant. Progression from Level I to Level II is possible with appropriate training and licensure.
Courtesy of: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada