Expanded Duty Dental assistants perform a number of duties in dental clinic. Their primary tasks are performing routine prophylaxis(cleanings) and scaling working their own patient schedule, and chair side assisting with the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) such as handing the provider the proper materials and tools. They operate the suction hose that keeps the patient's mouth dry so the dentist/hygienist can work on it. Dental assistants prepare patients for the dentist's examination. Dental assistants operate X-ray machines and make impressions of a patient's mouth or teeth. They may also sterilize instruments, develop X-rays, and mix compounds for cleaning or filling teeth. The assistant also maintains the clinic space such that the patients are seen in a safe and efficient atmosphere. Dental assistants will also schedule appointments, keep records, receive payments from patients, and order supplies. When patients come to the office, dental assistants locate their medical records for their or the dentist's use.

Stands, sits, walks, and converses most of the day.

Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with dental assisting in general practice dentistry will be performed on a regular basis.

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force frequently including pushing, pulling, and /or reaching for objects.

Work under stressful conditions may be required.

Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation, and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.