What are three responsibilities of the dental assistant during operative procedures?

Duties of a Dental Assistant

  • Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions.
  • Taking & pouring dental impressions (molds of the mouth)
  • Preparing patients for surgery.
  • Operating equipment and monitors.
  • Talking with patients.
  • Performing administrative tasks.
  • Preparing examination areas.

What must the dental assistant do during and after the examination?

Measuring and recording vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure. Teaching patients about after-procedure care. Teaching patients about proper oral hygiene. Exposing and processing x-rays and lab tests under the direction of the dentist.

What is the role of the dental assistant in assisting in anesthetic delivery?

Local anesthetics help manage pain by injecting an anesthetic solution near the nerve where dental treatment is to take place. This course explains the dental assistant’s role in knowing and understanding the various anesthetic solutions and techniques used when administering local anesthesia.

Why dental assistants are important?

Dental assistants play an integral part in providing patient care and delivering an exceptional experience. From preparing for procedures to following up with patients after treatment, dental assistants are key players. Often called mind readers, they are helpful and observant of patient and team needs.

What is the most valuable skill for a dental assistant?

Skill #1: Interpersonal Skills – This skill helps dental assistants properly interact with patients. Dental assistants must work closely with dentists and patients. Sometimes, patients are in extreme pain and/or mental stress, so the dental assistant should be sensitive to their emotions.

What are the responsibilities of you as a dental assistant when completing initial consultation?

You should review and update health histories, review the treatment planned for the day and outstanding treatment still to be completed, and ask patients if they have any concerns or questions regarding today’s appointment. When speaking with patients, you should always promote the office, doctor, and dental hygienist.

Can dental assistants numb patients?

Some dental assistants may be qualified to apply topical anesthetic to an area of a patient’s mouth, temporarily numbing the area to help prepare a patient for procedures.