dental assistant

Work setting

• Dental practice

Tasks

• Prepare patients for dental examinations
• Prepare plaster models and moulds
• Train other dental laboratory assistants
• Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases
• Order dental and office supplies
• Perform administrative functions for the dental laboratory
• Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
• Maintain and order supplies
• Perform reception and clerical duties
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
• Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
• Supervise students in training
• Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
• Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays
• Schedule and confirm appointments
• Perform intra-oral duties
• Take and develop X-rays
• Make orthodontic bands from metal and alloys
• Record dental procedures performed on patients
• Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses

• Membership in the Canadian Dental Assistants Association
• Registration with provincial or territorial authorities

Area of specialization

• Orthodontic appliances

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Fast-paced environment
• Work under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking

Personal suitability

• Client focus
• Judgement
• Team player
• Accurate
• Dependability
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication
• Initiative
• Reliability

Health benefits

• Dental plan
• Health care plan
• Work Term : Permanent
• Work Language : English
• Hours : 35 to 40 hours per week