Working in this role requires the individual to be able to perform both supervised and unsupervised tasks to help procedures run smoothly in a dental hospital or clinic. The dental assistant is vital for ensuring that the dentist performs his responsibilities with as little disruption and inconvenience as possible.
The role requires various paraprofessional tasks which will alter depending on the nature of the procedure being carried out. The assistant may perform receptionist and clerical work, assist the dentist by carrying out such tasks as sterilizing operating equipment and dental instruments, and prepare chemicals required for prosthetics development and dental instruments.
Most dental assistants train while on the job and qualify to assist after a few months when having reached the necessary level of knowledge and comfort in the duties. The tasks of the role are regulated and a license is normally required to take part in dental practice, and this can include passing a written or practical exam.
The schedules for the role are often flexible and only half of all assistants work 35 to 40 hours a week; the rest are in part-time roles. The standard hourly rate for a dental assistant in Canada is between C
$16 and C
$21 an hour, with C
$33,000 to C
$44,000 as a full time annual salary.