---
title: "What Is Dental assistant? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A dental assistant supports the dentist during treatment by preparing the room, handing instruments and helping the patient stay comfortable."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-assistant
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Dental Team and Specialties

# Dental assistant

A dental assistant supports the dentist during treatment by preparing the room, handing instruments and helping the patient stay comfortable.

A dental assistant is a member of the dental team who helps the dentist during treatment. Cleveland Clinic says assistants provide an extra pair of hands to help the dentist complete treatment more quickly and efficiently. Assistants help with fillings, crowns, veneers, and other procedures.

Their work often includes preparing the treatment room, setting out instruments, and helping with X-rays. The tasks an assistant may do and the requirements for the job vary by state.

Assistants and [dental hygienists](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygienist) both support dentists in caring for your oral health, but they do different jobs. A hygienist focuses on cleaning and prevention. Your [dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/general-dentist) makes the diagnosis and the treatment plan. See [our team](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/about/our-team) for the people at the practice.

## Related terms

-   [Dental hygienist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygienist)
-   [General dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/general-dentist)
-   [Treatment plan](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/treatment-plan)
-   [Digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Hygienists](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/dental-hygienist)
2.  [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Hygienists](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/dental-hygienist)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)