---
title: "What Is Dental assistant? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "A team member who helps the dentist during treatment, prepares the treatment room and handles patient care and record tasks."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-assistant
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Team and HR

# Dental assistant

A team member who helps the dentist during treatment, prepares the treatment room and handles patient care and record tasks.

A dental assistant supports the dentist and the patient. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records and schedule appointments. They also prepare treatment rooms and sterile instruments.

Duties depend on the state. The Bureau notes that each state regulates the scope of practice for dental assistants. Some assistants take extra training and may do more tasks, as an [expanded function dental assistant](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/expanded-function-dental-assistant).

The role is part of the [dental team](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-team), and what an assistant may do is set by [scope of practice](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/scope-of-practice) rules. Anyone who hires should check the dental practice act in their state. This entry gives a general definition.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Dental team](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-team)
-   [Expanded function dental assistant](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/expanded-function-dental-assistant)
-   [Scope of practice](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/scope-of-practice)
-   [Delegation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/delegation)

## Sources

1.  [BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Assistants](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm)
2.  [BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Assistants](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)