A dental assistant provides direct support to dentists and performs administrative tasks for the dental office. Responsibilities include getting the chair-side dental area ready for patients, preparing any necessary dental instruments and equipment such as x-ray machines, anesthetics, and impression materials, and assisting dentists with examinations and procedures. Dental assistants also greet patients upon arrival to the office, obtain patient records, ensure the appropriate paperwork is filled out and filed, answer phone calls, and schedule appointments for dental visits. Dental assistants work at a dentist’s office.