Where can a Dental Assistant Work?

Whenever you decide on a career, one of the first things that might cross your mind is what are the different places where you might have to work.

Some people hesitate to start their journey because they are worried about the places where they have to work.

Know more:
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Now, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in Dental Assistance, you might have a similar question and want to know what kind of work settings are available for you as an aspiring dental assistant.

We’re here to help you with that.

Dental assistants are crucial members of dental offices. They have a unique set of skills and basic knowledge about dental care. In this article, we will talk about the major work settings where dental assistants can work and the special things about each place.

So, let’s dive right in.

Where Can Dental Assistants Work?

Here are the most common places where you can find dental assistants working:

1) Private Dental Office

One of the most common places where you can find dental assistants working are private dental offices. These offices are generally led by dentists and offer different types of dental services to people in the area.

Dental Assistants working in private offices generally have the following tasks:

• Helping the dentist with cleanings, fillings, and extracting teeth.
• Cleaning and organizing dental tools and equipment.
• Getting patients ready for treatments and informing them how to take care of their teeth after the procedures.
• Taking and processing dental X-rays.
• Keeping track of patient records and making appointments.

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2) Dental Clinics

Dental clinics are generally larger facilities than private dental offices that offer different ranges of dental services to people. These clinics might also be associated with hospitals, health centers, or the government.

As a dental assistant working in a dental clinic, your tasks might involve:

• Working with special dentists like those who do surgeries.
• Helping with difficult dental procedures and surgeries.
• Talking and helping people coming from different backgrounds, including those who don’t have much access to dental care.
• Taking part in programs that reach out to the community and teach them about dental health.

3) Orthodontic Practices:

Orthodontic practices focus on fixing dental and facial problems using braces and other devices.

As a dental assistant working in an orthodontic practice, you will be assisting the orthodontist in:

• Helping with fitting braces and making adjustments during appointments.
• Taking impressions and photos of patients’ teeth for treatment planning.
• Teaching patients how to take care of their braces and other devices.
• Keeping track of patients’ progress and noting any changes in their dental treatment.

Read: Dental Assistant License Guide

4) Pediatric Dental Offices:

Pediatric dental offices provide oral health care to children from their infancy until they become teenagers. Being a dental assistant in a pediatric dental office can be challenging but also very fulfilling.

Some of the things they do are:

• Make sure the office is friendly and comfortable for kids so they feel less scared.
• Helping with different treatments like putting sealants on teeth, giving fluoride treatments, and using space maintainers.
• Teaching parents and kids how to take good care of their teeth.
• Working together with pediatric dentists to solve any dental problems in children.

Working in a place like this lets dental assistants make a positive difference in children’s oral health and help them develop good dental habits that last a lifetime.

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5) Dental Laboratories:

Dental laboratories are an alternative place where dental assistants can work. They help make dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures. These are basically dental-related things. Some of the things they do in a dental laboratory are:

• Making molds by pouring and cutting dental impressions.
• Helping dental technicians make dental restorations.
• Checking that the dental things they make are of good quality.
• Talking with dental offices to get everything right.

Working in a dental laboratory lets dental assistants see how dental things are made behind the scenes.
Know more: How Long Does It Take To Become a Dental Assistant?

Additional Places for Dental Assistants to Work

Now that you know the most common places where Dental Assistants can work, you might be wondering if there are other lesser-known workplaces for dental assistants.

Below are other options available for Dental Assistants to work.

Dental Schools and Educational Institutions: Dental assistants may work in dental schools, helping with teaching and training future dental professionals. This not only gives them a job but also gives them a level of satisfaction by educating others.

Hospitals: In most hospitals, there is a dental department where dental assistants support dentists and dental specialists in providing care to patients who may have more complex dental needs. To work in a hospital, you need experience and the right dental assistant skills.

Mobile Dental Units: In rural areas, mobile dental units play an important role. Some dental organizations operate mobile dental units to reach remote or underserved areas. Dental assistants on these units help provide dental care on the go.

Related: Dental Administrative Assistant

See: Dental Assistant Certification

Conclusion

Dental assistants can work in different places, each with its own special experiences and challenges. You can choose to work in a small private dental office, a dental clinic with a range of cases, or with children and orthodontic patients.

The job of a dental assistant has many chances to learn and feel satisfied. Think about what you like and what makes you happy to find the best place for your dental assistant career.

Additional Sources:

Dental Assistant Online Programs
What is a Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary
Dental Assistant Job Description
Dental Assistant Requirements
Dental Assistant Duties
Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant
Entry-Level Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Vs Medical Assistant
Registered Dental Assistant
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Orthodontic Dental Assistant
Is Dental Assistant School Hard?
Is Dental Assistant a Good Job?
Dental Assistant Instrument Names
Dental Assistant Internship & Externship
Dental Assistant Training
Dental Assistant School