Dental Assistant pay range

What the state says the job is

This is non-professional work providing assistance to a dentist. An employee in this job provides chairside assistance to a dentist during dental procedures using four-handed dental assisting techniques. Work involves preparing patients and clinical areas for procedures; applying appropriate sterilization techniques; utilizing and maintaining dental equipment, instruments, and supplies; instructing patients in appropriate dental care; and collecting and maintaining patient data and records. Work also involves exposing, processing, labeling, and evaluating radiographic images. Employees may also take impressions of teeth for study models. Employees perform routine tasks independently and work concurrently under the direction of a licensed dentist during dental procedures.

Examples of the work

• Files, retrieves, and maintains dental records and reports. • Schedules appointments and maintains appointment call list and recall list. • Collects and records patient information. • Prepares documentation, invoices, and packages for outside referrals, laboratory work, and/or prescriptions. • Sets up procedural trays and tools for procedures. • Mixes amalgam and cement for fillings. • Prepares topical and injection anesthetics. • Positions patients in chair appropriately, places protective napkin, and provides antibacterial rinse. • Takes, records, and monitors vital signs for operative procedures. • Charts findings of the mouth as identified by a dentist.

Minimum qualifications

• One year of experience in a dental office or clinic; or • Successful completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program; or • An equivalent combination of experience and training.