Dental Assistants

Dental assistants frequently receive on-the-job training from a dentist in a variety of important areas. They require a knowledge of dental materials and must be well organized to ensure that the proper instruments are available to the dentist during procedures. Attention to detail is also important for dental assistants who must sterilize instruments before procedures, understand the patient's needs during the procedure, and maintain records of the patient's past dental treatments. A dental assistant's pleasant chairside manner helps patients feel comfortable while they are undergoing what may be a difficult procedure, and proper instruction afterward ensures that patients follow effective dental hygiene.