What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant
Are you interested in training for a career as a dental assistant, but you’re not sure what this career is really like or if it’s right for you? If you are considering training for a career as a dental assistant, you probably want to learn more about what you can expect from this career path. Read on to learn more about what a dental assistant does, what a day in the life of a dental assistant is like, and how you can train for this rewarding career path in as few as 12 months with IBMC College.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants generally work in dental offices and clinics, and play a critical role in these settings. Dental assistants are primarily responsible for supporting dentists, and are often responsible for both administrative and clinical tasks. Dental assistants may also act as a patient coordinator by providing a means of communication between the patient and the dentist. Dental assistants provide hands-on care, working alongside dentists to provide patients with the highest level of care.
What Is a Dental Assistant Career Like?
To get an idea of what a dental assisting career is really like, put yourself inside the shoes of a dental assistant as they go about their busy workday. Here’s what a day in the life of a dental assistant looks like:
The dental assistant’s day typically begins early, around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m., as the dental assistant prepares treatment rooms before patients arrive. This includes sterilizing instruments, setting up trays with the necessary tools, and reviewing the day’s schedule. Once the first patient checks in, the dental assistant greets them, escorts them to the exam room, gathers health history updates, and takes X-rays if needed.
Throughout the day, dental assistants work chairside with dentists during exams and procedures. They hand instruments to the dentist, use suction devices to keep the patient’s mouth clear, and ensure the patient is comfortable and informed. Their role requires constant attention to detail, whether mixing materials for fillings, taking impressions for crowns, or recording patient information.
In between appointments, they clean and disinfect rooms, restock supplies, and manage sterilization protocols. Many also handle front office duties, such as scheduling appointments, billing, and answering phones. It’s a role that demands multitasking, people skills, and technical know-how.
By late afternoon, as the last patient leaves, dental assistants tidy up and prepare for the next day. Though the job can be physically demanding, the reward lies in helping people feel better, easing dental anxiety, and being part of a team that improves oral health every day.
Is a Dental Assistant Career Right for Me?
Dental assistants are the backbone of any dental practice, juggling patient care, administrative tasks, and technical duties with precision and compassion. If the life of a dental assistant sounds interesting to you, consider training for this stimulating and rewarding career with IBMC College! IBMC College offers two Dental Assistant training programs, both structured to provide a well-rounded education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience.
Dental Assistant Training at IBMC College
At IBMC, students may choose between a 12-month diploma program, or a more comprehensive 19-month Associate of Occupational Studies Degree program. The curriculum of both programs covers a range of topics, including Oral Health & Periodontics, Anatomy & Morphology, Dental Science, Operative & Chair Side Assisting, Dental Radiology, Laboratory Procedures, and more. An off site externship provides students with valuable real-world experience and the opportunity to practice skills learned during the program.
IBMC College graduates will be prepared to sit for the National Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) exam as well as the Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. Graduates of the AOS degree program will also receive Basic CPR and First Aid certifications.
Train for Your Dental Assistant Career with IBMC College!
If you are ready to take the first step towards your dental assisting career, consider training with IBMC College! With IBMC’s dental assistant programs, you can train to enter this rewarding career path in as few as 12 months! With IBMC College, you can learn the necessary administrative and clinical skills for employment as a dental assistant. IBMC College, in Fort Collins, Colorado, is an excellent choice for your career training. Call us at (970) 223-2669 or contact us here to get started today.
