HOC Course/Job Descriptions/Dental Assistant

Annual Salary Range in San Diego County: $30,000 - $40,000

Job Description:
Rapid employment growth is expected in the field of Dental Assisting. Dental Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. They work chair side as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records. Dental assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Dental Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on post-operative and general oral health care.

Some dental assistants prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They may also remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for treatment. Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

Students who complete Health Occupations Center’s Dental Assistant program are eligible to take the exam to become Registered Dental Assistants. This course is offered through ROP. For more information, please call 619-590-3923 or visit the ROP office at 924 East Main Street, El Cajon.

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