Dental assistants help the dentist perform dental procedures. They work beside dentists while they examine and treat patients. Assistants meet and greet patients, put them at ease, see that they are comfortable and prepare them for examination, treatment or surgical procedure.
If the dentist does not have a receptionist, they perform general office duties - schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payments for dental services, complete insurance forms and maintain personal and dental records, manually or using the computer.
Dental assistants draw patients’ records from the filing system, take and record medical and dental histories and the vital signs of the patients. During dental procedures, assistants help the patients to rinse and clean their mouths and pass instruments to the dentist in the correct sequence. They prepare solutions, filling and impression materials and injections.
Dental assistants ensure good illumination for their dentists by adjusting the light above the patient. Dental assistants may not take X-rays but may be responsible for the developing and filing of them. They instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programmes, and assist the dentist in the management of medical or dental emergencies.
They are responsible for the sterilisation of instruments and maintenance of dental equipment. They are also responsible for stock-keeping and placing orders with supply houses and other suppliers.
Schooling & School Subjects
National Senior Certificate
Diploma: Dental Assistant courses are offered at CPUT, CUT and TUT, and Dental Services at DUT.
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
(553) of Hamilton and
Madiba Streets
Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: (012) 338-9300
www.hpcsa.co.za
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