Instrumentos y equipos de asistencia dental
Instrumentos y equipos de asistencia dental
Dental assistants support dentists in their day-to-day work. To do this well, they must have an understanding of the instruments and equipment used in oral health care. A dental assistant training program will cover the most common kinds of equipment and how to identify, care for and maintain them.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most commonly used instruments and tools, and what a dental assistant will be expected to do with them.
Dental Trays, Mirrors and Explorers
Dental explorers and mirrors are pieces of sterile equipment used by dentists in the process of completing an oral examination. They’re made of metal, so they’re easy to sterilize, and they’re incredibly durable.
In your day-to-day work, you’ll be expected to prepare sterile dental trays holding mirrors, gauze, burnishers, explorers and other supplies or instruments. You’ll need to know how to sterilize these trays and how to lay out the instruments the dentist will require for each patient and anticipate their needs as the patient’s visit progresses.
Dental Burnishers
If a patient has a cavity in one of their teeth, the dentist will most likely fill it using an amalgam, then smooth out the amalgam using a dental burnisher. Your job is to prepare and sterilize the burnisher so it’s ready for the dentist to use. In some cases, you may even be expected to operate the burnisher yourself.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to clean a patient’s teeth. They’re used by dental hygienists, and as a dental assistant, you’ll be expected to clean, sterilize and prepare the ultrasonic cleaner for each patient.
As with other dental instruments and tools, these devices will be going into a patient’s mouth, so proper cleaning and sterilization are essential.
X-Rays
X-Ray machines are used to provide a clear view of a patient’s teeth and the surrounding bone. There are many different kinds of X-ray machines used in dental settings, including bitewing X-rays, periapical devices, panorex devices and full X-ray machines.
As a dental assistant, you’ll need to know how to place any sensors or bitewings to produce a clear view of the patient’s mouth. You’ll also be expected to understand the safety procedures relating to using X-ray machines and how to care for and operate the machine safely.
Your Pathway to Dental Assistant Jobs
If working as a dental assistant interests you, then you’ll want to study the role and get some hands-on experience at a dental assistant school. Once you’re qualified as a dental assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside dentists, hygienists and other professionals. You may even have the chance to study part-time to progress into one of those more specialized roles if you wish.
Take the first step towards becoming a dental assistant today by enrolling in the PCI Dental Assisting program. Learn the skills to help you enter into a new career in oral health care.
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