Dental Assistants

(O*NET 31-9091.00)

Significant Points

* Job prospects should be excellent.

* Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures.

* Many assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs; most programs take 1 year or less to complete.

Nature of the Work

Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. (see the statement on dentists elsewhere in the Handbook.) Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties.

Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, ...