Dental Assistant duties and responsibilities
When writing a job description for a Dental Assistant, it’s important to specify the main functionalities of the role. Some of the most important duties and responsibilities required to excel as a Dental Assistant include:
- Helping with administrative tasks in the office such as scheduling and record-keeping
- Preparing and taking X-rays of patients
- Greeting patients upon arrival
- Teaching and advising patients on proper oral hygiene
- Assisting in dental procedures
- Sterilizing equipment and following proper hygienic protocol
- Assisting the dentist with emergency dental work
- Managing the inventory of dental equipment and supplies
Dental Assistant skills and qualifications
A successful Dental Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties of this job, including:
- Knowledge and understanding of good oral hygiene
- Knowledge of various dental procedures and instruments
- Ability to perform basic dental procedures such as cleaning, X-rays and dental impressions
- Customer service skills
- Ability to perform office management tasks such as scheduling appointments, and ordering supplies
- Knowledge of dental technology
- Excellent communication skills
- Organizational skills
Dental Assistant experience requirements
In most cases, prior work experience as a Dental Assistant is required. Two to three years of experience is generally considered a good amount for job applicants applying to a Dental Assistant position. Job applicants with experience working with EMR (electronic medical records) make great candidates for the role, especially for dental practices that are technologically advanced. Candidates who have experience in a customer-facing role may also be given consideration.
Dental Assistant education and training requirements
A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University may be preferred for the position, although this is often not a requirement. Candidates may also need a degree from an accredited provincial Dental Assistant program such as the Ontario Dental Assistant Association (ODAA). Be sure to look for a job applicant who has a National Dental Assistant Examining Board certification. It is also important to look for an applicant who has obtained proper CPR and first aid certifications.
Dental Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dental Assistant is $22.91 per hour. Pay can vary depending on many factors including experience, location, or the company that is hiring.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Dental Assistant isn’t quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
