One very popular dental specialty for dental assistants is the orthodontist field. These high-trained dentists focus on correcting teeth and jaw misalignments. As an orthodontic dental assistant, you’ll get to work with a variety of patients with different misalignment issues. Some popular job duties include the following:

• Make adjustments for orthodontic gear.
• Sterilize instruments and prepare orthodontic tools for procedures.
• Take x-rays, molds, casts, and photos to help diagnose patient issues.
• Perform clerical tasks like updating patient records and scheduling appointments.
• Assist during planned and emergency procedures.

The endodontic field specializes in diagnosing problems and performing procedures on the inside of the teeth. They’re essentially experts in saving people’s teeth. As an endodontic assistant, you’ll get to see some of the worse dental cases and assist the endodontist in helping to save these patients’ teeth. Some of your typical job duties will include the following:

• Prepare patients for procedures via exams and x-rays.
• Perform sterilization of the dental equipment before procedures and exams.
• Organize dental records and schedule appointments.
• Pass the appropriate tools to the endodontist during procedures.

The periodontal dental field is all about maintaining the structures that support your teeth, including the tissues, gums, and bones. Alongside the periodontist, you’ll get to assist with treating tissue issues like bone loss, gum disease, and even gum recession. Some of the common tasks you can expect to perform when you’re a periodontal assistant include the following:

• Gather data and keep records about patients.
• Sterilize instruments and sanitize the workspace.
• Administer instructions on post-procedure care.
• Hand the periodontist the appropriate tools during procedures.

Pediatric dentistry deals with the oral health and care of children ranging from early infancy up through their teenage years. As a pediatric dental assistant, you’ll be able to assist children in learning good oral health habits. There are various duties that a typical pediatric dental assistant can expect to perform each day, which include the following:

• Sterilize dental instruments for exams and procedures.
• Take patient x-rays and prepare them for treatment.
• Hand off the right dental instruments to the pediatric dentist during procedures.
• Provide patients and parents with instructional aftercare.

When patients need to have their teeth and gums operated on, they will typically see a surgical dentist. As a surgical dental assistant, you’ll get to work alongside the dental surgeon on varying surgeries each day of the workweek. Some of the most common tasks that you’ll likely perform throughout your day include the following:

• Prepare patients for dental procedures.
• Perform x-ray processing.
• Transfer instruments to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Use suction and other equipment to assist the dentist with better visibility.
• Explain post-surgery care instructions.