Arizona College of Nursing
Arizona College
Our onsite academic programs prepare students for in-demand careers.
Our local Admissions and Financial Aid team can answer your questions regarding enrollment, scholarships, and financing options.
From orientation to graduation, our team provides support at every step of your journey.
Our purpose is to provide people the opportunity to enhance their lives through education.
Dental assistant responsibilities can include clinical (back office), administrative (front office), and other special projects or lab tasks within the dental office. To a large extent, the size and specialty of the dental practice determines the day-to-day job duties the dental assistant performs.
Dental assistants work alongside dentists and dental hygienists to provide patient care during procedures and examinations. Their chairside tasks include handing instruments to the dentist and keeping patient’s mouths clean and dry with suction devices.
Dental assistants work in well-lit, clean environments. They often work chairside during dental procedures so they can keep the patient comfortable and hand materials, instruments, and medication to the dentist as needed. Dental assistants wear protective equipment such as gloves, eye-wear, and masks to prevent infections and cross contamination.
If a career as a dental assistant appeals to you, enroll in the dental assistant program at Arizona College’s Mesa or Glendale campus. Our hands-on training, which includes a clinical externship component, prepares you for success. Alumni of Arizona College’s Dental Assisting program are also encouraged to pursue dental assistant certification after graduating.
It is also important that dental assistants possess professional “soft” skills required to communicate effectively between the dentist, the patient, and the other dental office team members. They may teach patients general oral hygiene tips for maintaining oral health or communicate post-operative instructions to them.
Many times, patients are extremely nervous to visit the dental office and have dental procedures completed. It is important for dental assistants to be able to help keep patients calm and comfortable, so the dentist can perform procedures as needed.
Complete a request for information form to connect with the admissions team at Arizona College. They’ll happily assist you with any questions you may have. Keep people smiling; take your first step toward your new dental assisting career and contact Arizona College today!