Dental assistants play a key role in successful dental procedures. They are often the friendly face you meet before, during, and after a dental procedure. While dentists focus on diagnosing and performing treatments, dental assistants help make sure the process runs smoothly for both the patient and the dental team.
From preparing tools to giving patients aftercare instructions, dental assistant duties cover a wide range of tasks. Let’s take a closer look at what dental assistants do and how they help with common dental procedures.
What do Dental Assistants do during a procedure?
Dental assistants work closely with dentists, hygienists, and patients. Their main goal is to support the dental team and help patients feel comfortable.
Some of their main duties during a dental procedure may include:
- Preparing the treatment area and instruments
- Taking and developing dental x-rays
- Handing instruments to the dentist during the procedure
- Using suction tools to keep the patient’s mouth clear
- Sterilizing equipment after each use
- Giving patients instructions for home care after the procedure 1
Dental assistants need to have strong communication skills, good attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Because dental procedures can be fast paced, they also need to work well as part of a team.
Common dental procedures and how Dental Assistants help
Dental assistants may help with many different types of dental procedures. Each procedure has its own steps, tools, and patient needs. Here’s how dental assistants contribute to some of the most common treatments.
1. Routine cleanings and checkups
While dental hygienists usually perform cleanings, dental assistants still play an important role in this routine dental procedure. Before a cleaning or checkup, they may:
- Set up the exam room with the needed tools
- Take the patient’s medical history and update their records
- Take dental x-rays so the dentist can check for cavities or other issues
During the visit, dental assistants may assist the dentist by passing tools or charting any findings. After the appointment, they help sterilize instruments and prepare the room for the next patient.
2. Filling cavities
When a patient has tooth decay, the dentist may remove the decayed area and fill it with a safe material. Dental assistants help with this procedure by:
- Preparing the filling materials
- Handing instruments to the dentist as needed
- Using suction to keep the tooth dry and visible
- Providing patients with aftercare instructions to avoid discomfort or damage to the new filling
Because fillings are one of the most common dental procedures, dental assistants gain a lot of experience with them early in their careers.
3. Tooth extractions
Sometimes, a tooth needs to be removed due to severe decay, infection, or crowding. Dental assistants support the dentist during extractions by:
- Preparing the instruments and numbing agents
- Keeping the patient comfortable before and during the procedure
- Assisting with suction and passing instruments during the extraction
- Helping the dentist apply gauze and explain aftercare steps
Extractions can be stressful for patients, so dental assistants often play a big part in calming fears and answering questions. This is one dental procedure where strong communication skills and empathy are key.
4. Placing dental crowns or bridges
A dental crown covers a damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Both procedures require multiple steps and often take more than one visit. For these procedures, dental assistants may:
- Take impressions of the patient’s teeth for the lab to create the crown or bridge
- Assist the dentist when shaping the tooth to fit the crown
- Pass cement and tools during the placement of the crown or bridge
- Provide instructions on caring for the new restoration
Because these procedures involve both lab work and hands-on care, dental assistants must stay organized and keep track of materials.
5. Root canals
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat an infected tooth. The dentist removes the damaged pulp inside the tooth and seals it to prevent further infection. Dental assistants help by:
- Setting up the tools, including files and sealants
- Taking x-rays before, during, and after the procedure
- Assisting with suction to keep the tooth dry and clean
- Preparing materials to fill and seal the tooth
- Helping the patient understand what to expect after the root canal
Root canals can be complex, so dental assistants must be quick and precise in their work.
How you can pursue a dental assistant career
If helping with dental procedures sounds exciting, you might enjoy a career as a dental assistant. This role allows you to work closely with patients, use hands-on skills, and be part of a healthcare team that improves people’s oral health.
Here are the basic steps to get started:
- Enroll in a dental assistant training program – A quality dental assistant program can teach you the skills you need for the job, including how to work with dental tools, take x-rays, and assist during procedures.
- Complete hands-on training – Most programs include lab practice and an externship in a real dental office so you can gain real-world experience.
- Earn any required certifications – Depending on your state, you may need certifications in areas like radiography (x-rays) or infection control.
- Start applying for jobs – Dental assistants are needed in private dental practices, community health clinics, and specialty offices.
At Dorsey College, our Dental Assistant program is designed to prepare students for a variety of dental assistant duties. You can learn from experienced instructors, gain hands-on training, and have the support you need to start your career with confidence.
Dental assistants are essential to almost every dental procedure. From routine cleanings to complex treatments, they help create a safe, efficient, and comfortable experience for patients. If you’re ready to step into a career that combines skill, teamwork, and patient care, training as a dental assistant could be your next step.
NOTE: The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Michigan Board of Dentistry are responsible for the licensing of individuals who want to practice dentistry, dental hygiene and advanced levels of dental assisting. Students attending a dental assisting program offered by a private college that is not accredited by the American Dental Association are not eligible for licensure in the State of Michigan. Dorsey College is classified as a private college and is not accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation; graduates of this program are not eligible for licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant in Michigan. However, graduates of this program may challenge a certification exam offered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. after completing 3,500 hours of dental work experience. Dorsey’s Dental Assistant Program includes the opportunity to sit for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and the Infection Control (ICE) certification exams, which are two components of the Dental Assisting National Board (“DANB”) Certified Dental Assistant (“CDA”) exam. Graduates of this program may complete the third exam component necessary for DANB’s CDA credential, which is challenged after completing “a minimum of 3,500 hours’ work experience as a dental assistant, accrued over a period of at least two years (24 months, if employed fulltime) to a maximum of four years (48 months, if employed part-time) which employment must be verified by a licensed dentist.”
1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2
