Dental Assistant Working Conditions

Dental assistants held about 318,800 jobs in 2014. Almost all dental assistants work in dentists' offices. Working conditions for dental assistants inherently involve working under the supervision of dentists and may include working closely with dental hygienists in their day-to-day activities.

Working conditions for dental assistants include extensive patient interaction, so wearing safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases is integral to their work. They must also learn and follow safety procedures to minimize risks associated with x-ray machines that are necessary for diagnosing dental disorders.

Working conditions could include some evening or weekend work for some dental assistants, depending on the hours of operation at the office where they work.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition