If you’ve ever had dental X-rays taken, there’s a good chance a dental assistant played a part in the process. Dental assistants work alongside dentists to help appointments run smoothly and prepare patients for treatment. They also manage a broad range of clinical and administrative tasks.
Taking X-rays is one of the technical skills you may learn at dental assistant school, and it’s an important one. Dental images give dentists a view of areas they can’t always see during a standard examination, helping them identify potential problems and plan treatment.
What Dental Assistants Do in a Dental Office
Dental assisting can be a varied, hands-on career. You won’t necessarily spend your entire day doing the same task. Depending on the dental practice and your training, your responsibilities could include preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, assisting the dentist during procedures, updating patient records, preparing dental materials, and helping patients understand instructions for caring for their teeth after treatment.
Dental assistants can also help patients feel more comfortable. Some people are understandably nervous about visiting the dentist, so being able to explain what’s happening and communicate calmly can be an important part of the job.
Dental Assistants and Dental X-Rays
So, can dental assistants take X-rays? Yes, dental assistants may perform dental X-rays when they have the appropriate training and meet applicable state requirements.
Dental X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, create images of the teeth, roots, jaw, and surrounding structures. They can help dentists detect issues such as cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, infections, or other problems that might not be visible during an ordinary examination.
Dental assistants need to know how to position patients and imaging equipment correctly so the dentist receives a useful image. They also need to understand radiation safety procedures designed to protect both patients and dental staff.
At Healthcare Career College, students in the Dental Assistant program learn how to take dental X-rays as part of their practical training.
Training for Dental Assisting Jobs
If you’re interested in pursuing dental assisting jobs, career-focused training can help you build the skills you’ll use in a real dental practice.
HCC’s Dental Assistant Diploma Program can be completed in as little as 11 months and combines classroom learning with hands-on training. Students learn skills including taking dental X-rays, assisting dentists during procedures, preparing instruments and materials, recording patient information, and providing patient care.
The program also includes a 160-hour externship, giving students an opportunity to gain experience in a dental office environment before entering the workforce.
Start Dental Assistant School at HCC
Dental assisting could be a good fit if you enjoy practical work and want to become part of a healthcare team.
Healthcare Career College can help you build the technical skills and practical experience needed to prepare for the next step. Enroll in HCC’s Dental Assistant program and start training for a career in dental assisting.
Key Takeaways
Can dental assistants take X-rays?
Yes, if they have the appropriate training and meet state requirements. Dental X-rays help dentists identify problems that may not be visible during an exam.
What skills are needed to take dental X-rays?
Dental assistants must position patients and imaging equipment correctly and follow radiation safety procedures.
How can someone train for dental assisting?
HCC’s Dental Assistant Diploma Program combines classroom and hands-on training with a 160-hour externship and can be completed in as little as 11 months.