Congratulations! You’ve chosen to study an exciting and important part of the dental field. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll work as part of a team of people dedicated to improving the oral health and overall well-being of patients. Dental Assisting is n a fast-paced career that calls on you to use both interpersonal and technical skills to help patients realize their best possible health.

In 2014, there were more than 310,000 Dental Assistants in the nation. Experts expect that number to grow 18 percent by 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.

Our student members benefit from educational opportunities, access to professional journals, and job listings. For more information please go to our “Students and Instructors” page.

For Our Patients

Whether you’re visiting a general dentist or a specialist, such as a periodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon, you can are likely to encounter a skilled and compassionate Dental Assistant. Dental Assistants work in every type of dental office performing a variety of highly-technical, skilled tasks.

Our daily duties include helping with direct patient care as well as behind-the-scenes office management. A Dental Assistant is likely to ask about your medical history and help the dentist during your procedure. We are a key part of making sure you feel comfortable before, during, and after treatments. You can trust us to explain oral hygiene practices, including proper brushing and flossing as well as post-surgical care. We are often responsible for taking and developing x-rays. In many offices, a Dental Assistant serves as the infection control officer, developing protocols and sterilizing instruments and equipment. We handle many office and practice management tasks. You’ll often see us working on a computer to schedule appointments, send invoices for services, and order supplies.

For Dental Professionals