SELECTS

Dental Assistants from Medical Trends target dental professionals who work under the supervision of a dentist and perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. 

These consumers have a high school diploma.  Many learn through on the job training.  Dental assisting programs are offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, technical institutes, and the Armed Forces, so some have a certificate or an associate’s degree.  They may attend classes, workshops, or seminars to stay current in dentistry. 

Patient care responsibilities include making patients comfortable, preparing them for treatment, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment, preparing tools and materials required to treat the patient, updating the patients’ dental records, and processing x-rays.  Assistants work beside the dentist during procedures.  They hand instruments and materials to the dentist, use suction equipment to keep patients’ mouths dry, provide post-op and general oral care instructions.  Depending on the dentist, some remove sutures and excess cement used in the filling process.  To protect themselves and their patients from infectious disease, they wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses.  Laboratory duties include making casts of the mouth and teeth from impressions, cleaning and polishing removable dental appliances, and creating temporary crowns.  Office duties include scheduling and confirming appointments, sending bills, receiving payments, and ordering supplies.  One-third of dental assistants work part-time, and flexible scheduling is common for this group.  Many work in more than one dentist office.  They receive benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid vacations and holidays from their employer.  Average earning per year is $32,400.  Dental assistants work with dental hygienists and technicians.  They are required to wear scrubs and athletic shoes.      

Many in this group are married or live with a partner; some have children.  They typically hold a mortgage and drive mid-range cars.  Many have an auto loan or car payment and trade in their vehicle every five to six years.  They are internet savvy and enjoy electronics such as laptops, notebooks, smart phones, iPads, iTouch, and Blackberries.  Professional and social networking are accomplished through social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.  They utilize on-line banking and bill paying.  They search the web to find information on medical issues, parenting, homework help, and vacation destinations.  They enjoy movies, music, video games, sports, social causes.  This group is concerned about their physical fitness.  They strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, and taking vitamin supplements.  They may have a gym membership, run, or bike.  They may take martial arts, yoga, spin, Zumba or other exercise classes.