Dental Assistant (Unlicensed)

What does an unlicensed Dental Assistant do?

Unlicensed Dental Assistants work in a dental clinic or office and perform administrative and hands-on responsibilities alongside other dental staff. They can assist with placing and removing tools, devices, and topical medication under the supervision of the dentist during a patient visit. Assistants can also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment. In the front office, dental assistants can help complete registrations and basic coding and insurance applications, including updating dental records.

In a dental clinic setting, there are also licensed Dental Assistants that can perform expanded functions. Summit does NOT train students to become licensed.

Unlicensed Dental Assistant Essential Duties:

Greet patients when they arrive at the clinic and check them in
Schedule and confirm dental appointments
Assist with four-handed dentistry—the practice of using the dentist’s two hands and the dental assistant’s two hands to streamline treatment for the patient
Clean, sterilize and assemble instruments, supplies and equipment required for specific dental procedures
Set up equipment and supplies in the clinic, including ordering and managing supply stock
Assist with note taking and updating of patient dental records
Provide other patient and clinic duties under the supervision of a dentist

Additionally, students who graduate from Summit’s training can seek careers as community dental health coordinators and/or dental administrative assistants. Students could also seek sales or administrative careers at dental insurance companies.

After graduating this training, students could go on to pursue further education, training, or certifications to seek careers as sterilization technicians and/or lab technicians.