What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A dental assistant supports both clinical and administrative operations in a dental office. They help dentists during procedures by preparing instruments, passing tools, and ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the appointment. They’re also responsible for maintaining sterile conditions, setting up exam rooms, and handling basic lab tasks.
Beyond the treatment room, dental assistants may take x-rays, manage patient records, and coordinate appointment scheduling. In many practices, they bridge the gap between patients and providers, offering reassurance, explaining post-care instructions, and maintaining efficient workflow behind the scenes. Their work plays a critical role in the smooth operation of any dental practice.
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Dental Assistant Core Responsibilities
- Assist dentists during procedures by handing instruments and supporting patient care
- Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize instruments following infection control standards
- Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays) as permitted by law
- Record patient medical histories and update charts accurately
- Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-procedure care
- Manage supply inventory and order dental materials as needed
- Support front desk tasks including scheduling, billing, and insurance processing
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and sterilization procedures
- Proficiency in dental radiography and taking impressions (if certified)
- Basic computer and office software proficiency for records and scheduling
Soft skills
- Patient-focused communication and professionalism
- Strong organizational and multitasking ability
- Attention to cleanliness, safety, and procedural detail
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a dental assisting program (required in most states)
Certifications
- Dental Assistant Certification (CDA) from DANB or equivalent state certification
- Dental radiography license (as required by state law)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (recommended)
Preferred Qualifications
- One or more years of experience in a dental or orthodontic practice
- Experience with dental practice management software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
- Exposure to specialty environments like oral surgery or pediatric dentistry
National Average Salary
Dental assistant salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Dental Assistant is:
$42,530
Sample Job Description Templates for Dental Assistants
Orthodontic Dental Assistant
Position Overview
An orthodontic dental assistant supports orthodontists in the treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. This role involves preparing patients for procedures, assisting with braces and aligner fittings, and helping ensure proper care of orthodontic appliances.
Responsibilities
- Assist with placing brackets, bands, and wires
- Prepare bonding agents, cements, and other orthodontic materials
- Take impressions or scans for retainers, aligners, and study models
- Instruct patients on appliance care and oral hygiene during treatment
- Sterilize tools and maintain clean workspaces between patients
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of orthodontic instruments and procedures
- Ability to take accurate impressions or digital scans
- Familiarity with elastics, archwires, and intraoral devices
Soft skills
- Clear, reassuring communication with patients (especially teens)
- Patience and ability to explain multi-step treatment plans
- Attention to detail in band/bracket placement
Education
- Dental assisting certificate or diploma
Certifications
- Radiography and CDA certification (as required by state)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in orthodontic settings
- Comfort using intraoral scanners and orthodontic software
Oral Surgery Dental Assistant
Position Overview
An oral surgery dental assistant provides critical support during surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, implant placements, and biopsy treatments. They assist in sterile prep, sedation monitoring, and patient recovery.
Responsibilities
- Assist during surgical procedures, passing instruments and suctioning as needed
- Set up and maintain sterile surgical fields
- Monitor patients pre- and post-operatively, including sedation support
- Provide post-op instructions and comfort care guidance
- Maintain surgical logs and sterilization protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of surgical instrument handling and sterilization
- Familiarity with sedation monitoring and emergency protocols
- Radiographic imaging and panoramic x-ray proficiency
Soft skills
- Calm under pressure and responsive during critical procedures
- Clear, compassionate patient communication
- Strict adherence to safety and infection control protocols
Education
- Dental assisting program completion
Certifications
- CDA and radiography license
- BLS certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- Surgical assisting experience in a dental or hospital setting
- OSHA and anesthesia support training
Pediatric Dental Assistant
Position Overview
A pediatric dental assistant works alongside pediatric dentists to provide specialized oral care to infants, children, and adolescents. They help manage child anxiety, explain procedures clearly, and create a supportive environment for young patients.
Responsibilities
- Prepare child-friendly treatment rooms and sterilize instruments
- Assist chairside during cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and restorations
- Teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Support behavior management techniques for fearful or special needs patients
- Communicate with parents about treatment plans and aftercare
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with pediatric dental procedures and equipment
- Ability to take x-rays and impressions with minimal discomfort
- Competence using child-appropriate oral health education tools
Soft skills
- Patience, empathy, and strong communication with children and families
- Ability to build trust quickly with young patients
- Flexibility and positive attitude
Education
- Dental assisting certification
Certifications
- Radiography and CPR certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a pediatric or family dental office
- Training in managing children with special healthcare needs
Endodontic Dental Assistant
Position Overview
An endodontic dental assistant supports root canal and pulp-related procedures, working with microscopes, precision tools, and sterile environments. They help ensure smooth workflow and patient comfort during intricate treatments.
Responsibilities
- Assist during root canal procedures and follow strict asepsis protocols
- Prepare and organize endodontic instruments like files, irrigants, and apex locators
- Support use of microscopes and rubber dam isolation techniques
- Update treatment records and radiographs throughout procedures
- Instruct patients on post-operative care and follow-up
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep familiarity with endodontic tools and materials
- Proficiency in digital x-rays and rubber dam placement
- Ability to maintain a sterile field during long procedures
Soft skills
- Calm, steady presence during intricate treatments
- High attention to cleanliness and detail
- Clear, empathetic communication with nervous patients
Education
- Completion of dental assisting program
Certifications
- CDA and radiography certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior endodontic office experience
- Experience supporting microscope-based treatments
Prosthodontic Dental Assistant
Position Overview
A prosthodontic dental assistant assists with complex restorative treatments, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. This role requires precision in handling impressions and materials while supporting long-term patient restoration plans.
Responsibilities
- Assist during restorative procedures such as crown preps and denture fittings
- Take detailed impressions or digital scans for prosthetic planning
- Manage materials like cements, impression trays, and temporary restorations
- Provide post-procedure instructions and support adjustment visits
- Maintain lab case tracking and communicate with dental labs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with crown and bridge procedures
- Proficiency in impression-taking and bite registration
- Understanding of implant and prosthetic terminology
Soft skills
- Meticulous attention to detail for custom-fit prosthetics
- Empathy during lengthy or multi-visit procedures
- Strong organizational and follow-up habits
Education
- Accredited dental assisting training
Certifications
- CDA and radiographic certification (per state requirements)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in prosthodontics or cosmetic dentistry
- Knowledge of lab communication workflows