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Dental assistants help make

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dentists more efficient,

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and patients more comfortable.

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They perform a blend of direct patient care

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and administrative duties.

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Dental assistants prepare

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the dental exam room,

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sterilizing and setting up equipment.

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During appointments,

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dental assistants may take x-rays,

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hand dentists instruments,

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keep patients’ mouths dry,

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and teach patients about proper oral hygiene.

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On the administrative side,

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they maintain patient records,

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schedule appointments,

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and work with patients on billing and payment.

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Essential skills for dental assistants

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include detail orientation, finger dexterity,

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listening, and organization.

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Almost all dental assistants

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work in dentists’ offices.

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They wear safety glasses, surgical masks,

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and gloves, and follow safety procedures

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to protect themselves and patients.

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About one-third of dental assistants

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work part time.

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Some work evenings or weekends.

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Requirements to enter the field differ:

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some states require graduation

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from an accredited program,

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and licensure or certification.

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Other states have no formal

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educational requirements,

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and assistants learn their duties on-the-job.