# Tasks & work activities — dental chairside assistant

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 31-9091.00 (Dental Assistants).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- **[Core]** Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- **[Core]** Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- **[Core]** Record treatment information in patient records.
- **[Core]** Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- **[Core]** Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- **[Core]** Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- **[Core]** Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- **[Core]** Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- **[Core]** Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- **[Core]** Clean and polish removable appliances.
- **[Core]** Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
- **[Core]** Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
- **[Core]** Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
- **[Supplemental]** Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
- **[Supplemental]** Clean teeth, using dental instruments.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
- Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
- Clean medical equipment.
- Explain technical medical information to patients.
- Fit patients for assistive devices.
- Interview patients to gather medical information.
- Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
- Maintain medical records.
- Make patient-assistive devices or device models.
- Operate medical equipment.
- Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
- Process medical billing information.
- Record vital statistics or other health information.
- Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
- Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.