Description
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
- • Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- • Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- • Record treatment information in patient records.
- • Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- • Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- • Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- • Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- • Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- • Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- • Clean and polish removable appliances.
- • Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
- • Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- • Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- • Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- • Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- • Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
