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Being a dental assistant is not easy. A dental assistant has many responsibilities, but the career can be very rewarding. The primary goal of a dental assistant is to completely devote oneself to the dentist’s work and assist in any possible way, which includes taking care of patients and even doing paperwork.
The main duty of the assistant, however, is to assist the dentist. Other duties involve processing X-rays, preparing instruments, as well as sterilizing and disinfecting. You may advise patients about oral hygiene and dental care. You could work in a laboratory, preparing bridges, dentures, and temporary crowns. At an office, you might arrange and handle inventory and meet patients.
Some dental assistants use their training and experience to later become dental hygienists. This career change requires that you return to school and get the necessary licensing. Others may choose to specialize as a dental laboratory technician. In most situations, assistants with prior formal training will be more familiar with the dental techniques and procedures they must learn to advance their career or specialize in a field.
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