TUT Dental Assistant
TUT Dental Assistant
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants prepare patients for oral examination and assist other dental workers, such as dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienists, in providing treatment to the teeth, mouth and gums. Dental assistants also carry out reception and administration duties. Under the dentist’s direction, some dental assistants prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental X-ray film.
Dental assistants may perform the following tasks: receive patients and prepare them for necessary dental procedures; record findings from oral examinations; provide instruments and dispense materials during oral examinations or treatments; provide pre-and post-operative instructions for patients undergoing general or local anaesthesia; clear the patient’s mouth of saliva or dental materials used in the treatment by operating handheld equipment; clean and sterilise instruments and surgery after treatment; maintain and re-stock dental supplies; make appointments for patients, keep records of patients’ treatments and send out reminders for re-examinations; prepare accounts and collect payments; carry out other office duties.
The dental assistant is responsible for assisting dentists in dental practices or clinics and plays an important role in infection control, mixing and preparing dental materials, providing patients with information on oral hygiene and developing and mounting X-rays. They also keep records of patients, deal with appointments and assist with stock control and accounts.
What Does a TUT Dental Assistant Do?
A dental assistant’s role is multifaceted, involving both administrative and clinical responsibilities. Here’s a closer look at what a TUT dental assistant typically does:
Clinical Duties
- Assisting Dentists: Dental assistants work alongside dentists during procedures, handing them instruments, preparing materials, and ensuring patient comfort.
- Sterilizing Equipment: Maintaining a clean and sterile environment is crucial in dental clinics. Dental assistants are responsible for sterilizing instruments and equipment.
- Taking X-rays: With proper training, dental assistants may also be responsible for taking and developing dental X-rays.
Administrative Duties
- Scheduling Appointments: Dental assistants often manage appointment schedules, ensuring that patients are seen promptly.
- Managing Patient Records: They maintain and update patient records, including treatment plans and billing information.
- Educating Patients: Dental assistants may educate patients on oral hygiene practices, post-operative care, and dental procedures.
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How many points is a dental assistant at Tut?
To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 23.
TUT Application 2025-2026 Opening Date
Applications to the Tshwane University of Technology for the 2025-2026 academic year open on March 2024. Student applicants cannot apply before the TUT application is opened.
TUT Online Application 2025-2026 Closing Date
Applications to the Tshwane University of Technology for study admission for the 2025-2026 academic year will close on 30 September 2024. Interested applicants cannot submit applications after the deadline.
TUT Dental Assistant Training Program
The TUT dental assistant training program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of dental healthcare practices, procedures, and techniques. The program typically covers:
- Dental Anatomy and Terminology: Understanding the structure of teeth, gums, and oral cavity.
- Clinical Procedures: Hands-on training in assisting with dental procedures, sterilizing equipment, and taking X-rays.
- Patient Care: Learning how to interact with patients, manage their concerns, and provide education on oral health.
- Administrative Skills: Acquiring skills in appointment scheduling, record-keeping, and dental office management.
How To Apply TUT Online Application.ac.za 2024-2025
- To begin the application process at TUT, please click here.
- On the top right corner of the screen, click ‘Apply Now.’
- Choose whether or not you have a student number (If this is your first time applying you will not have a student number yet)
- Choose whether you are returning to finish an application.
- Choose whether or not you have a Qualification. Token Specific (this token was only given to specific students to show them a pre-defined list of qualifications)
- To the consent form, click ‘I Accept.’
- Stick to the instructions provided throughout the application.
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TUT Contact Details
Tel: 086 110 2421
Email: general@tut.ac.za
SMS Number: 30655
For more information on TUT CLICK HERE. We do hope this article was helpful.
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