Dental assistants are healthcare professionals who work closely with dentists and dental hygienists to provide patient care in dental offices, clinics as well as hospitals. They perform a wide range of tasks from patient care to administrative duties. They also ensure that the dental office runs smoothly and patients receive high-quality care.

Dental assistants help to prepare patients for procedures such as checking medical histories, preparing instruments and materials as well as taking X-rays. They may also assist during dental procedures such as handing instruments for the dentist, suctioning fluids from the patient's mouth, providing support and comfort to the patient.

In addition to patient care, dental assistants also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phones and maintaining patient records. They may also assist with billing as well as insurance claims, ordering supplies and equipment along with managing the dental office's inventory.

For Diploma

• Candidates must have completed their 10+2 with at least 50% marks in the Science stream.
• A diploma or certification in Dental Assistance can also be pursued after 10+2. 
• 6 months to 1 year of practice as an intern can be very beneficial for seekers.

Apart from working as a Dental Assistant, there are several other job profiles that a person with a background in dental assistance can pursue. Some of these job profiles include:

• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Assistant
• Surgical Technologist
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Medical Assistants

Employment Sector

• Government Hospitals
• Private Hospitals
• Clinics
• Solo Dental Practitioners

There are many recruiters from leading companies who enlist potential medical students. Following are some Recruiters from where students can find an employment opportunity in India: 

• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare
• Max Healthcare
• Columbia Asia Hospitals
• Manipal Hospitals
• Dr. Lal PathLabs
• Clove Dental
• Axiss Dental
• Dentzz Dental
• Apollo White Dental

The salary range may vary from company to company, but the salary of a Dental Assistant is very impressive in India.

• Knowledge of Food Ingredients
• Listening skills
• Management skills
• Attention to detail
• Good Communication skills

Dental assistants play a vital role in the dental care teams and their career scope is quite promising. Dental assistants work alongside dentists and dental hygienists to provide patient care, maintain patient records as well as assist with dental procedures. They are responsible for preparing patients for treatment, sterilising and organising instruments, taking x-rays and instructing patients on oral care.

A career as a dental assistant offers a great deal of job security and growth potential. The demand for dental assistants is projected to grow in the coming years, as more people seek dental care along with the population continues to age. Dental assistants may also find employment in a variety of settings including private dental practices, hospitals and community health centres.

• Quick entry into the healthcare field
• Job stability and growth
• Hands-on patient care
• Flexibility

• Low pay
• Physically demanding work
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Limited career advancement opportunities