Become a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants work closely together with and under dentists. Assistants perform a variety of office, patient care, and laboratory duties.

Typical tasks dental assistants perform:

• Sterilize and disinfect equipment and instruments.
• Prepare and lay out the materials and instruments required to treat each patient.
• Access patients’ dental records.

Assistants help to make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair and help them get ready for treatment. During dental procedures, assistants work beside the dentist to provide assistance. They give instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear using suction or other devices. Also, they instruct patients about postoperative and general oral health care.

Dental Assisting Education & Training

The majority of dental assistant programs take 1 year or less to complete and lead to a diploma or certificate. Two-year programs provided in community and junior colleges lead to associate degrees. All programs require a high school diploma or the equivalent, and some ask for science or computer-related courses for admission.