Dental Assistant Job Description
Dental Assistants Duties
| Dental Office Administrative Assistant Duties | Clinical Dental Assistant Duties |
| Data entry | Radiograph (X-Rays) Assistance |
| Electronic Recordkeeping | Patient Assessment Tasks |
| Insurance Claim Management | Sterilization |
| Appointment Scheduling | Equipment Maintenance |
| Billing & Coding | Clinical Procedures |
| Customer Service | Laboratory Duties |
| Computing | Infection Control |
| Using Software Programs | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
Mississippi Radiology Requirements
Mississippi Radiology Permit Requirements
| More than 12 months before applying | Graduate from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and provide proof of employment administering radiographs within the 5 years prior to applying. |
| Within 12 months prior to applying | Graduate from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). |
| Within 90 days prior to applying | Complete a radiology seminar approved by the Mississippi Board and pass the exam. |
| Prior to application | Possess a current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). |
Advanced Dental Assistant Duties
| Advanced Duties | Description |
| Sealant Application | Sealing teeth with a plastic substance to protect them from bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities. |
| Topical Anesthetic Application | Applying topical anesthetic in a patient’s mouth to numb a specific area in preparation for a procedure. |
| Coronal Polishing | Removal of plaque and other soft deposits to make teeth look cleaner. |
| Fluoride Application | Applying fluoride directly to the teeth to prevent cavities. |
Administrative Dental Assistant vs. Clinical Dental Assistant
An administrative dental assistant will focus on an office’s administrative tasks such as greeting patients, organizing office records, and other clerical tasks. A clinical dental assistant will help dentists and dental hygienists with treatment procedures.
Working in the Dental Care Industry
SOURCES
- https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-health-care-support-jobs
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2
- https://www.danb.org/en/The-Dental-Community/Dental-Assistants/About-Dental-Assisting.aspx
- https://www.deltatechnicalcollege.com/programs/dental-assisting-training/
- https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9091.00
- https://www.danb.org/Meet-State-Requirements/State-Specific-Information/Mississippi.aspx
- https://www.dalefoundation.org/Resources-And-State-Requirements/State-Dental-Assistant-Requirements/Mississippi
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-4
- https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-team-careers/dental-assistant
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm