While Chair-side assisting you will work primarily with the dentist using four-handed dentistry techniques. Four-handed dentistry is a seated dentist and chair-side assistant working together as a well-oiled machine.
A chair-side assistant will mix dental materials, exchange instruments with the dentist, and will provide oral evacuation during dental procedures. Through out the patients time in the chair, the chair-side assistant has the opportunity to to put the patient at ease, helping them to feel comfortable and relaxed.
A Chair-Side assistant May Have Duties Such As:
- Prepares room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
- Prepares patient for dental treatment by caring, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
- Provides data to patients and staff by respondent queries and requests.
- Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist’s access; suctioning; passing instruments.
- Provides materials by choosing, mixing, and putting materials on instruments and within the patient’s mouth.
- Provides diagnostic data by exposing and developing x-ray studies; grinding, trimming, and shaping study casts.
- Maintains patient look and skill to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleanup and sharpening removable appliances.
- Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque management, and surgical directions.
- Documents administered services by charting in patient records.
- Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping data confidential.
- Maintains safe and clean operating atmosphere with procedures and standardized practices.
- Protects patients and workers by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
- Ensures operation of dental instrumentality by finishing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; maintaining instrumentality inventories; evaluating new instrumentality and techniques.
- Maintains dental inventory by checking stock to see inventory level; anticipating required inventory reordering; putting and expediting orders for supplies.
- Maintains skilled and technical information by attending academic workshops; reviewing skilled publications; establishing personal networks; collaborating in skilled societies.
