Dental Assistant

• Assist the dentist during procedures (four-handed dentistry)

• Prepare treatment rooms and instruments

• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment

• Take and process dental X-rays (if certified)

• Prepare dental materials (impressions, fillings, cements)

• Suction and retract tissues during procedures

• Apply topical anesthetics and fluoride (where allowed)

• Greet and prepare patients for treatment

• Explain procedures and post-operative instructions

• Educate patients on oral hygiene

• Ensure patient comfort and safety

• Update and review medical/dental histories

• Follow OSHA and CDC infection-control guidelines

• Maintain a clean and safe clinical environment

• Proper disposal of biohazard and sharps waste

• Use PPE correctly

• Schedule appointments

• Manage patient records (paper or EHR)

• Handle billing, insurance forms, and payments

• Order and manage dental supplies

• Answer phones and coordinate patient flow

• Take impressions and bite registrations

• Pour and trim dental models

• Prepare temporary crowns (if allowed)

• Send and receive cases from dental labs

6. Legal & Ethical Responsibilities

• Maintain patient confidentiality (HIPAA)

• Work within the scope allowed by state law

• Report equipment issues or patient safety concerns