What are the responsibilities of a dental assistant?

The responsibilities of a dental assistant primarily revolve around supporting the dentist during various procedures and ensuring that the dental office operates efficiently. This includes preparing patients for treatment, which may involve taking medical histories, explaining procedures, and making patients comfortable. Additionally, dental assistants are responsible for sterilizing instruments to maintain a clean and safe environment for both patients and providers. This role is critical in preventing infections and ensuring that all tools used during procedures are hygienic and ready for use.

While performing complex surgical procedures, conducting dental research studies, and overseeing dental hygiene practices are essential aspects of dentistry, they fall outside the scope of a dental assistant's job duties. These responsibilities are typically associated with dentists, dental hygienists, or researchers within the dental field. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the core duties of a dental assistant, making it the correct choice.