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Dental Professionals

Dental Assistant

A Challenging and Rewarding Career

Information for students seeking a career in dental assisting.

Dental Assisting - A Challenging and Rewarding Career (PDF 96 KB)

What does a dental assistant do?

A dental chairside assistant (sometimes known as a dental nurse) works closely with the dentist in all stages of the patient's treatment.

Duties include reception of the patient and preparation for treatment, sterilising instruments and setting them out for the dentist, mixing materials, developing and mounting x-rays and chairside assistance by passing instruments and using suction apparatus.

A dental assistant may also be involved in the administration of the practice by answering telephones, making appointments
, maintaining patient records, ordering supplies, preparing accounts and collecting payments.

Personal requirements 

  • Manual dexterity
  • Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to concentrate and follow instructions
  • Good organisational ability and time management skills
  • Interest in Health Care work

Related Jobs

  • Dental Therapist
  • Dental Technician
  • Dental Hygienist

Employment Opportunities

Most dental assistants are employed by dentists in private practices and clinics. Some dental assistants undertake further study to become dental therapists or dental hygienists. Job prospects depend on the state of personal dental health and dental health education, the public's ability to pay for dental services and the costs of dental services and health insurance covering dental work.

Additional Information

At present, dental assistants are not required to be registered with the Dental Registration Board of the State in which they intend to work.



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