You'll be a dentist's extra set of hands during examinations and treatment of patients. Besides making the patient comfortable in the dental chair, you will:
Obtain patient medical history and dental records;
Provide the dentist with the proper instruments and materials;
Perform a variety of laboratory, clinical and office duties.
American Dental Assistants Association Principles of Ethics
Each individual involved in the practice of dentistry assumes the obligation to maintain and enrich the profession.
Each member may choose to meet this obligation according to the dictate of personal conscience based on the needs of the human beings the profession of dentistry is committed to serve. The spirit of the Golden Rule is the basic guiding principle of this concept.
The member must strive to maintain confidentiality and to exhibit respect for the dentist/employer.
The member shall refrain from performing any professional service that is prohibited by state law and has the obligation to prove competence prior to providing services to any patient.
The member shall constantly strive to upgrade and expand technical skills for the benefit of the employer and the consumer public.
The member should additionally seek to sustain and improve the local organization, state association, and the American Dental Assistants Association by active participation and personal commitment.