What is the primary role of a dental assistant during patient procedures?

The primary role of a dental assistant during patient procedures is to assist the dentist with clinical tasks and ensure patient comfort. This includes handing instruments to the dentist, suctioning saliva, managing the dental chair, and preparing the treatment area before and after procedures. By providing this assistance, the dental assistant helps ensure that procedures run smoothly and efficiently, which is vital to the overall patient experience and safety.

While managing patient records and billing is an important part of the dental assistant's duties, it typically occurs outside of the immediate patient care setting. Educating patients on dental hygiene is also a significant responsibility, but it usually happens during appointments or consultations rather than during active procedures. Performing dental surgeries is generally reserved for licensed dentists or specialists, not dental assistants, as they do not have the training or certification to conduct such tasks.