Find out everything you need to know about being a Dental Assistant.
Job Title - Dental Assistant
Description
A Dental Assistant's job is to help the dentist perform efficient and safe dental procedures while they examine and treat patients.
Typical Job Activities
Meets
the patient, put the patient at ease and prepare the patient for examination,
treatment or surgical procedure
Rinses and clean the mouth of the patient
Prepares dental materials and injections
Passes instruments to the dentist in the correct sequence
Ensures proper vision for the dentist by adjusting the light above the patient
Assists with the taking and developing of X-rays
Sterilises instruments and maintenance of dental equipment
If the dentist does not have a receptionist, the dental assistant also performs
general office duties
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse these South African jobs here.
Related Occupations
Dental
therapist
Oral hygienist
Educational Requirements
Senior
Certificate
High: 3-4 years University/Technikon Studies
Moderate: 1-3 Years FET or practical training
IN-SERVICE TRAINING: A dental assistant may be employed without any specific training but someone with a diploma or certificate would be at an advantage.
Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Biology
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?
Have
manual dexterity
Have good vision and hearing
Be professional
Be able to put people at ease
Be friendly and courteous
Be discreet and even-tempered
Be neat and well-groomed
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Employment Opportunities
Low
Market Competitiveness
Moderate
Income Potential
Moderate
Self-Employment Options
Moderate
International Employment Market
Low
Possible Employers
Government
- national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like
universities
Private dental practices
Hospitals
Clinics
Government departments
Browse companies hiring now.
Relevant Contact Details
Cape
Peninsula University of Technology
www.cput.ac.za
Career Progress and Path
Further
Studies in the specific career field
Experience in specific field
Work performance
Possible Career Paths
Specialist
career in the specific field
Own practice
Employment Stability
Moderately stable
Reasons to consider this career
A job in
government
A job in private companies
To start my own business
A stable job
To be of service to people
To work with technology
To learn new things
To work with people
To make money
To not have to study theories
To face intellectual challenges
To focus on a specific field
To apply my special skills
To work fixed hours
