Dentistry has several roles: The Dental Assistant (DA) is one of them.
Our job is to help the Dentist in your procedure. Our duties include setting up the treatment rooms, assist in the procedure by making sure all the instruments and materials are ready, and cleaning up and sterilizing when we're done.
The Dental Assistant can be accredited in two ways. First, through the Dental Assisting National Board. This is not arequirement, but all Dr. Tom's DAs are Certified Dental Assitants (CDA). As of July 2008, all DAs must be registered (RDA) with the State of Washington. You can look up any health care professional and check on their standings by going to https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/ Type in the name of the person you wish to check.
Other duties include keeping the office clean and organized, monitoring and ordering supplies, keeping all our materials and machines in good working order, and, most improtantly, making sure your time with us is as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.
Another role we can assist you in is as an advocate, or "translator". Please feel free to ask us any question, and we will help you to go through the process of dental health.