Dental Assisting: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Dental Assisting is a specialized health sciences program designed to equip students with the clinical and administrative competencies required to support dental professionals in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centered care while maintaining compliance with infection control standards and regulatory protocols.

• Medical Record-Keeping: Mastering the documentation and management of patient histories, treatment plans, and clinical notes in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Office Administration & Patient Intake: Handling front-desk responsibilities including scheduling appointments, managing patient registration, and maintaining organized workflows in a clinical environment.
• Chairside Assisting: Providing real-time support during dental procedures by anticipating needs, passing instruments, and maintaining a sterile field under direct supervision.
• Dental Radiography: Learning the principles and techniques of intraoral and extraoral imaging, including exposure, processing, and interpretation of dental X-rays.
• Equipment Sterilization & Maintenance: Applying infection control protocols to disinfect and sterilize instruments and equipment in compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Educating patients on procedures, offering comfort measures, and delivering clear instructions for recovery and follow-up care.
• Tooth and Mouth Impressions: Gaining proficiency in taking accurate impressions for dental prosthetics, orthodontic appliances, and diagnostic models.
• Supervised Clinical Practice: Applying theoretical knowledge in real-world dental settings through structured, hands-on training under the guidance of licensed dental professionals.