Overview
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Dental Assistants
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
What is this job like?
- Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
Local Wage Data
Showing wage data for: New Orleans
- Entry
- Median
- High
- Hourly Wage
- $31,450
- $44,820
- $59,200
- $15.12
- $21.55
- $28.46
Education Pathways
Check out local colleges and training programs that will get you started on the path to this career.