Kathy Zwieg, LDA, CDA; and Catherine Paulhamus, MA

Depending on where you practice, the answer to this question can be very different. No matter where they practice, dental assistants often act as oral healthcare ambassadors. The assistant is most likely the first and last person with whom patients typically communicate regarding their care. Dental assistants often determine the patient’s experience—and therefore have the opportunity to impact his or her inclination to continue treatment.