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Dental assistants have a wide range of responsibilities in the office. They work with patients, handle equipment, and process paperwork. The specific role of a dental assistant may vary from office to office. Here is the general job description you can expect:  Prepare patients for treatments and cleanings Assist the dentist during procedures (using the suction equipment to clean patients' mouths, etc.) Take and develop x-rays Take blood pressure and pulse Sterilize equipment Provide patients with instructional materials and oral hygiene supplies Teach patients how to brush and floss Perform office management tasks, such as scheduling appointments Dental assistants are in high demand, since many dentists employ more than one assistant. There are a variety of practice settings in which dental assistants are needed. These include the following:  Individual dental practices and group dental practices Speciality practices, such as oral surgery, orthodontics and dental facial orthopedics Schools, clinics and other public health program sites Hospital dental clinics Dental school clinics Before you decide to become a dental assistant, it's a good idea to learn more about what to expect in terms of salary and job flexibility. While these specifics will vary from job to job, these facts will help you know what to expect:  In 2013, the average pay for dental assistants was $35,640, although the highest pay recorded was $48,350. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between now and the year 2022, there could be up to 74,000 new job openings for dental assistants. This reflects a 24.5 percent growth rate, which is much higher than the average field.  Dental assistants typically have full-time, salaried jobs, although part-time work is also available.
Learn about the role of a dental assistant. Know what to expect from the job setting. Know the average salary and other job specifics.