Career Profile: Dental Assistant	Home	Español	Activity
		Informal perspective of what an occupation might be like.

What I Do: I like to think of myself as the dentist's "third hand." You see, I work alongside the dentist while she examines a patient. I assist her by handing her the instruments she requests, and by keeping the patient's mouth free of saliva. Before the dentist ever comes into the office, I sterilize the instruments and arrange them on a tray. I also get patients ready to see the dentist and make sure that their records are up to date. When the dentist finishes with the patients, I talk with them about how to care for their teeth and gums.

Best and Hardest Parts of My Job: I know that the dentist depends on me to do a good job. She wouldn't be happy if I gave her the wrong instrument while she was filling a cavity! I like getting to know the patients. Some of them have been coming to this office for years. The only part of my job I dislike is having to order dental supplies. I'd much rather be working with patients than filling out forms.

How I Got Started: Sometimes people confuse me with the dental hygienist. We both work with patients, but hygienists have more advanced training than dental assistants. I like being a dental assistant because I like knowing that I helped make a trip to the dentist's office a pleasant one.