Patient Care: Dental assistants often interact with patients, preparing them for dental procedures, explaining treatment plans, and ensuring their comfort during procedures.

Chairside Assistance: During dental procedures, assistants work alongside dentists, handing them instruments, suctioning, and generally assisting in the process.

Sterilization: They are responsible for sterilizing and preparing instruments for procedures to maintain a clean and safe environment.

X-rays: Dental assistants may take and develop dental x-rays, as well as provide them to dentists for analysis.

Office Duties: Administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing may also fall under the responsibilities of dental assistants.

Educational Support: They may provide patients with information on proper dental hygiene and post-treatment care.

Lab Work: Some dental assistants may also assist with tasks like making casts of teeth or temporary crowns.

Assisting with Procedures: Dental assistants may help with procedures like applying fluoride or sealants, taking impressions of patients' teeth, or applying topical anesthetics.

Overall, dental assistants are crucial members of the dental team, contributing to the efficient operation of the dental office and ensuring patients receive quality care.