02 Apr Dental Assistant Appreciation: Why Their Role Is So Important
When you head into the dentist’s office for an appointment you will meet quite a few people. You’ll be greeted by our receptionists, get your teeth cleaned by one of our dental hygienists, and meet our dentists and their assistants during exams and procedures. Every person in our office plays a part in helping you maintain good oral health. Let’s take a closer look at why dental assistants are so important to our practice.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants are responsible for tasks like setting up appointment rooms, creating a clean environment, and assisting during procedures. In Arizona, there are a certain set of standards that a person must meet in order to become a dental assistant. Dental assistants must go through extensive training that qualifies them for the job. Here are some of the things they do.
Review Your Medical History
Your dental assistant will go over your medical history, and ask you questions about any changes to your dental health since your last appointment. They need to know about new medications, new health conditions (including pregnancy), and other things that might relate to your oral health. Certain diseases and medications can affect your oral health, and vice versa. Being honest with your dental assistant is important, because it can change the specifics of your care.
Take Full-Mouth Scans
Dental assistants are also in charge of taking x-rays. Dental x-rays help us make diagnostic decisions, see if any teeth have moved, and detect tooth deterioration before a cavity forms. Your dental assistant is fully qualified to take x-rays, and if you have any questions about the process, they can answer them for you.
Assist During Dental Procedures
Dental assistants are trained to help with dental procedures and even perform a few on their own. When your dentist performs a procedure like a root canal or filling a cavity, a dental assistant will be close by. They are in charge of making sure all the appropriate tools are available, and they can be an “extra pair of hands” for your dentist if needed.
Sanitize Equipment and Exam Rooms
Dental assistants ensure that the exam rooms and dental tools are properly cleaned and sanitized between appointments. Their role is crucial in preventing the spread of germs and keeping our patients safe. They clean each room and then disinfect it. They also clean dental tools and sanitize them in an autoclave. Finally, they make sure everything is set up and ready for the next patient.
Expert Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
Every member of the staff at Hicks Dental Group is experienced and expertly trained. Dental assistants are a very important part of our practice, which is why we only hire the most qualified candidates. We offer a full range of dental services, from checkups to emergency treatments. If you are looking for excellent dental care for your whole family, contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/31/25). Photo by Shedrack Salami on Unsplash.