introduction to dental assisting

the dental assisting profession

(First Lesson)

Dentistry is one of the world's oldest medical arts for thousands of years people have tried to care
for their teeth well enough to keep their mouths healthy and pain free for a lifetime

the concerns of people through the ages have remained surprisingly similar whereas the technology
available for modern dental care continues to advance and better address those needs as the
profession has grown over the years

the roles and responsibilities for the various members of the dental team including dental assistance
have become better defined formal education and a structured certification process ensure that
patients receive quality care

some patients have a particular interest in improving the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth or
they want to put the finishing touches on restorative dental work by seeking out the latest
techniques in cosmetic dentistry

cosmetic dentistry includes many techniques and procedures already practised in dental offices but
begins by examining the patient’s entire oral cavity including the shape, colour and structure of
teeth and working to improve overall appearance

aesthetics television advertising and other visual media have a powerful influence on the
expectations of many patients along with questions about brushing, flossing, rinsing and other
preventive measures for better dental health you can expect to answer numerous patient questions
about treatment options that have a purely cosmetic or aesthetic purpose

whitening
your teeth may appear increasingly stained or worn habits such as drinking tea or coffee and
chewing or smoking tobacco can increase disappearance

whitening or bleaching has become one of the most requested services provided in dental offices
and is often performed by dental assistance

whitening materials penetrate the two cinnamons into the dent in a light source or heat is used to
speed up the whitening process

patients not interested in undergoing whitening treatments in the dental office may instead ask you
about commercially available home whitening treatments
veneers

veneers a thin layer of acrylic composite or porcelain placed on the outer surface of the teeth to
improve their appearance and shape, the placement requires little if any removal of existing tooth
structure but may require some surface preparation before they are bonded in place

some venues require routine polishing and regular maintenance after they are placed others are
more durable

resin and porcelain are two of the materials frequently used for veneers

implants

Dental implants are a popular method of replacing one or more missing teeth implants are metal
devices surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to bond with the surrounding bone tissue
over a period of six months after successful bonding the implant may be used to anchor in place a
single crown a bridge or a partial or full denture

Education in dental professions

(Second Lesson)

dentists

dental education accreditation began in the early part of the 20th century and is intended to ensure
the quality and continuous improvement of dental and dental related education in the United
Kingdom typically a dentist completes an undergraduate education and goes on to study at a dental
school which includes both coursework and clinical practise on patients when the dentist graduates
he or she receives either a doctor of dental surgery dds or a doctor of medical dentistry DMD degree
many dentists go onto additional specialist training

after obtaining a licence to practise most dentists go into general dentistry where they handle a
wide variety of situations and patience

dentists today are more involved than ever with their patients overall general health while treating
the king giverin teeth many detect early signs of other health conditions that require referral to
physician dentists may employ in their offices like :
 • dental assistance
• dental hygienists and
• dental laboratory technicians

dental assistants

most dental assistants acquire their training in Community College trade school or technical institute
training programmes some dental assistants are trained in schools associated with the armed forces
and accredited training programme for dental assistance includes both classroom and laboratory
instruction in dental assisting skills students also gain practical experience in dental offices clinics
and schools before they graduate

dental hygienists

dental hygienists provide preventive dental care by removing calculus stains and plaque from teeth
and by teaching patients about good oral hygiene additional responsibilities can include developing
dental radiographs applying fluoride treatments and performing other patient care tasks

dental laboratory technicians

dental laboratory technicians also known as dental technicians provide support to dental practises
by filling prescriptions from dentists for crowns bridges dentures and other dental prosthetics they
customise each prescription according to models of the individual patients oral cavity bite and
adjoining teeth dental technicians are skilled artisans whose work is detailed and demanding they
may work for individual dentists or for dental laboratories some technicians train in business and
management and go on to establish their own dental laboratories

professionalism in dental assisting

dental assistants are trained multi skilled professionals who are valuable members of the dental
team during the course of the day they may perform a wide range of tasks they may function as
clinicians who care for patients and see to their well-being as educators for better patient dental
health as patient advocates who respond to the needs and concerns of their patients administrators
who help run and maintain the dental practise some are very versatile and can run an office from
the business end
making and scheduling appointments, managing inventory and keeping up with insurance
submissions and the accounts receivable and payable are just a few other areas in which a dental
assistant can be skilled, a wide range of skills and knowledge make for a truly valued dental
professional

personal characteristics of a dental assistant

(Third Lesson)

personal characteristics such as honesty and dependability are the foundation of personal character
if you do not already possess the following important personal characteristics work toward making
them a part of who you are both as a person and as a professional dental assistant in some cases
your success as a dental assistant will depend on it

dependability and punctuality

your team members and patients expect you to be there to help them if you miss work correlate
someone else must be found to do your work in your absence

adaptability

As you move through your day be willing to take on unexpected roles or duties when necessary if
the clinical office where you work remains open some evenings or weekends be willing to work your
share of those hours

Maturity

remain calm in emergencies and do what you can to help listen to constructive criticism without
becoming defensive see it as an essential part of learning to do a better job

Accuracy
your patience and the dentist you assist depend on your accuracy and close attention to detail
mistakes can be costly to patient health and to the reputation of the practise some may even result
in legal action

Honesty

if you make a mistake admit it immediately do not blame others for your mistakes refrain from using
office resources or time for personal business

Empathy

even in difficult situations try to see things through your patients eyes if you can imagine how you
might feel in a similar situation help ensure patients get the care they need even if they are
frightened or in pain

courtesy and patience

graciously welcome all patients and families who come to you for care exercise patience in your
interactions with all those who come to you for care and with your colleagues when asked to explain
procedures to patients speak slowly and remember to use words and explanations the patient is
likely to understand

(Patiently repeat yourself if necessary or choose new words to explain)

Tactful Communication

do not discuss your personal problems with patients or with colleagues in the dental office choose
your words carefully whether in casual conversation or difficult treatment situations choosing the
right words at the right time can make a great deal of difference to your patients and colleagues

in some cases, you may be able to reassure nervous patient or re direct and unsettling discussion
Positive attitude

be confident in your abilities as a trained health professional you have the responsibility to provide
quality care and the training and ability to do so be calm and remain a team player successful patient
care depends on a team effort

the initiative

work with a minimum of instruction or supervision do whatever is expected of you by your fellow
team members when your own duties permit volunteer to help others who may need it

trustworthiness

the most important person in truistical professional dental assistant is trustworthiness, you must be
able to keep confidentially all patient information whether personal, financial, medical, or dental of
which you become aware, information must be kept confidential including the identity of patients’
procedures, completed conversations, financial arrangements.

always respect patient confidentiality, safeguarding confidentiality goes back to the earliest
traditions of medical care. failing to maintain patient confidentiality is against the law

betraying patient confidentiality can ruin the reputation of the practise where you work and your
own professional reputation

a breach of confidentiality can result in legal action against all parties involved
 Professional Appearance
(Fourth Lesson)

maintaining a professional appearance includes personal cleanliness good grooming and

appropriate clothing but it begins with overall good health any health professional serves as a model
of good health to patients and colleagues in addition dental assistants perform work that is
physically demanding they must stay on their feet much of the day and must always remain alert
during procedures and patient care adequate rest a balanced diet and sufficient exercise are
essential other basics of a professional appearance follow from this.

Hygiene

• take a daily bath or shower use deodorant

• maintain good oral hygiene of your own including fresh breath

Clothing

• if you wear a uniform to the office, make sure it is freshly washed and ironed clean but
wrinkled uniforms are not acceptable
• unclean garments can harbour pathogens germs and bacteria that can pass along illness and
disease
• if you do not wear a uniform avoid choosing clothing that is too trendy or suggestive
• make sure to wear appropriate undergarments under all clothing
• repair all replace any clothing that is torn or stained
• make sure to sew on any missing buttons
• shoes should be clean and polished make sure laces if any are clean and other proper length
• if your office allows sneakers to be worn to work wear all white ones
• check for runs or snags in any nylon hosiery that is part of your outfit or uniform, and
replace as needed
Hair

• Wash your hair regularly to make sure it looks and smells clean
• use clips or ponytail holders to style long hair back and away from your face

Makeup and Fragrance

• if you are wearing makeup keep it to a minimum and to use lighter colours appropriate for
day
• keep scented products such as scented body lotions or sprays to the minimum or avoid them
altogether
• limit the use of perfume because it may be offensive to others some patients or co-workers
may not be able to tolerate strong sense and can experience allergic reactions
• avoid using tobacco products of any kind their older permeates clothing and lingers in your
hair

Fingernails
• keep fingernails short
• long fingernails interfere with dental procedures and can rip protective gloves
• long fingernails are difficult to keep clean they are one of the main spots on the body to
harbour pathogens that can pass along illness or infection to you or your patients
• nails should be nearly manicured, and any Polish should be clear or light coloured

jewellery

• keep jewellery tasteful and to minimum

• limit earrings to a single pair of small starts
• remove or conceal any jewellery
• wear rings with caution, some can puncture protective gloves or interfere with procedures
Commitment
some dental assistants perform primarily administrative tasks, and the reception and office
areas of the practise others work mostly chairside with the dentist assisting with procedures
and patient care ideally dental assistance would be familiar with the demands and duties of
both settings and be able to assist or take the place of absent colleagues

sense of responsibility

as a dental assistant you share with your colleagues on the dental team as sense of
responsibility for each patient your responsibility begins with refraining from harming any
patient and doing all you can to promote overall patient well-being it continues by treating
all patients with compassion and empathy

as a dental assistant you share responsibility for patient well-being which continues with
making sure you are qualified and competent to perform any procedure you are asked to
complete doing something for which we were unprepared or unqualified can endanger the
well-being of everyone including yourself your colleagues and your patience

professional attitude

your education is a dental assistant has provided you with the necessary technical skills and
knowledge to do your job well a professional attitude enhances that knowledge by making it
clear to your patients and co-workers that you are a professional who knows the value of
your work and your importance on the dental team it is important to remember the dental
office is a business and must be run efficiently a professional attitude shows in several ways

timeliness is important your colleagues and patients are counting on you to be where you
are needed when you are needed there
respect the office as a business work efficiently do not waste supplies and be always
professional

wear a clean pressed uniform or other appropriate clothing

• Pay attention to other details of a professional appearance as discussed above
• take the time to do your job well perform all your tasks whether chairside or in the
office with all the care and accuracy possible
• maintain a positive and respectful attitude regarding your work colleagues and
patients
• respect cultural diversity
• commit to doing your best at all times demonstrate initiative and responsibility
• Prioritise your tasks according to importance but perform each one thoroughly and
well
• adapt to changes in your workplace and duties as needed
• take advantage of continuing education programmes to enhance your skills and
knowledge
• follow all policies and procedures
• safeguard the confidentiality of patient information
• finally serve as a positive role model for other dental assistants in your community

skills and knowledge – professional

development
(Fifth Lesson)

Your education as a dental assistant does not end with graduation or certification it will
continue for as long as you remain in the profession professional dental assistants seek
out and take advantage of opportunities to increase skills and enhance knowledge if you
perform office or administrative tasks as part of your work you may enrol in courses to
update your computer and software skills whatever forms your professional
development and educational efforts take remember to incorporate your new
knowledge and skills into your daily work as quickly as you can
dental assistant responsibilities as the name indicates a dental assistant supports the
dentist in various phases of the practise in addition to caring for patients and assisting
chairside most dental assistants perform some administrative tasks during the course of
the day whether you are a DA or a CDA your responsibilities may include many or all of
the following:
 • greeting patients and office visitors
• answering the phone
• instructing new patients on customary office practises
• handling patient insurance forms
• helping patients feel comfortable about their dental treatment
• Managing confidential patient medical, dental, personal and financial
information
• Maintaining examining rooms
• keeping examining rooms properly supplied
• assuming overall responsibility for infection control including preparing and
sterilising instruments and equipment
• scheduling patient appointments
• communicating with suppliers and other team members about supplies billing
and administrative matters
• screening sales representatives
• screening other office visitors
• paying bills
• billing patients and others

Two assistant roles depending on licencing requirements and local practises you may also
take on certain specific roles as you carry out your work you may find yourself in the role of
chair side assistant in this case you the dentist sit on either side of the patients chair some
roles may include these responsibilities

• obtaining and recording patient medical history and vital signs

• preparing patients for examinations or treatment sterilising instruments
• selection and preparation of armamentarium
• administering medications or injections
• maintaining the patient’s job
• mixing dental materials
• managing infection control procedures
• pouring and trimming models
• providing oral evacuation during dental procedures
• exposing and processing radiographs
• ensuring compliance with other safety regulations
• recognising and responding to medical emergencies

you may also serve as a circulating assistant or floater, in this situation, you may help out
anywhere in the practise where your assistance is needed from preparing instruments to
providing patient education

Dental hygienists

most registered dental hygienists RDH have attended two or four year schools received
at least an associate degree and passed state written and clinical examinations
A dental hygienist usually provides patient education about oral health along with
removing plaque, calculus other deposits
Dental hygienists may also develop radiographs, apply fluoride and dental sealants, and
administer oral anaesthetics

Dental laboratory technicians

dental laboratory technicians also known as dental technicians follow written

prescriptions from the dentist to make crowns, bridges and dentures from prescriptions
taken by the dentist, a certified dental technician CDT has passed an additional
examination to receive their credential, although dental laboratory technicians usually
work in a separate dental lab, they may occasionally come to the dental office to meet
with the dentist and the patient
their work is important to the success of the whole dental team, as a dental assistant
you will likely communicate regularly with the technicians to provide special instructions
and information about the time requirements for a particular case

office staff and supporting services

the dental office staff may include a receptionist, administrative assistant and others
who provide a variety of support services including scheduling patient appointments,
assisting with computer technology, and processing insurance claims.
others who are not in the office provide valuable services as well, a dental supply person
represents one or more dental supply companies and will regularly call on your office to
take orders or explain products, in contrast, a detail person represents a specific
 company usually a pharmaceutical company or manufacturer who will visit your office to
discuss his or her company’s products. dental equipment technicians maintain and
repair dental equipment.

General dentistry instruments

Introduction
(Sixth Lesson)

Acorn Burnisher

• To burnish permanent and temporary filling materials

Amalgam Carrier

• to carry amalgam
• single or double ended
• various sizes depending on the size of the cavity preparation

Amalgam Well

• to hold an amalgam after trituration and before placing into the cavity
• made in various sizes and from different materials

Anesthetic Syringe
• To deliver the anesthetic solution
• Aspirating capabilities to avoid injection of anaesthetic
• directly in a blood vessel
• Various types
Articulating Paper Holder
• To hold articulating paper in place during occlusion checks

Cement Spatula
• To mix temporary and permanent cement as well as various
filling materials

Chisel
• To smoothen and plane enamel within the cavity

Composite Instrument
• To carry and place composite material in the cavity
preparation

Condenser
• to condense permanent and temporary filling materials in the cavity preparation

Cotton Forceps
• To carry objects in and out of the mouth
• Locking type available
• Various sizes

Dental Dam Clamps

• To stabilise the dental dam
• Various shapes and sizes to accommodate various teeth

Dental Dam Forceps

• To place and remove the clamp

Dental Dam Frame

• To hold and support dental dam

Dental Dam Punch

• To punch holes in the dental dam for teeth involved