I can tell you what I expect from assistants.

Basically, it depends. If you’ve been through a dental assisting program, I’d expect you to know the following:

1. what materials/instruments are used to place amalgams
2. materials/instruments used to place composites.
3. a general idea of what root canals involve and what instruments are used.
4. a general idea of what instruments are used for extractions
5. how to properly set up and clean a room.
6. the difference between “clean” and “unclean” (this is a big problem with dental assistants….some of them don’t know that items that touch the floor shouldn’t be put back on the counter!!!).

Basically, the doctor with whom you’ll be working will train you, as will the other assistants. But since you’ve been through a course, they will expect you to have some knowledge of what they’re doing.

Reading charts (so you know what needs to be done) is important, as is taking xrays (if your state allows it), retraction, suction, instrumentation, mixing alginate, pouring models, infection control protocol, OSHA and HIPAA…. and the list goes on from there.

Dentists will have their own ‘way’ to do things, so whatever you learned in class, as far as procedures go, may need to be adjusted to suit your employer….

Don’t be nervous! Be friendly to the patients and co-workers, leave your ‘baggage’ out of the office… and keep smiling!

Keep in mind, too, that ‘seasoned’ dental assistants weren’t born with the knowledge they have… they learned it, just like you!

Good luck in your new profession!