Dental Assistant

Work setting

• Dental practice

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Prepare patients for dental examinations
• Order dental and office supplies
• Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
• Perform reception and clerical duties
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
• Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
• Take and develop X-rays
• Record dental procedures performed on patients
• Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
• Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays
• Prepare plaster models and moulds
• Maintain and order supplies
• Perform administrative functions for the dental laboratory

Credentials

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses 

• Membership in the Canadian Dental Assistants Association
• Registration with provincial or territorial authorities
• Certification by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board

Experience and specialization

Technical expertise (dental)

• Casting

Computer and technology knowledge

• MS Windows
• MS Word

Additional information

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Fast-paced environment
• Work under pressure
• Physically demanding
• Attention to detail
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking

Personal suitability

• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Reliability

Benefits

Health benefits

• Dental plan

Other benefits

• Free parking available