Which of the following is NOT one of the main types of dental assistants?

The main types of dental assistants typically include chairside assistants, administrative assistants, and sterilization assistants. Each of these roles plays a vital part in the functioning of a dental practice. Chairside assistants work directly with the dentist during procedures, helping to prepare materials and manage the patient’s comfort. Administrative assistants handle the business side of the practice, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records. Sterilization assistants focus on infection control, ensuring that all instruments and equipment are properly cleaned and sterilized.

Laboratory assistants, while they exist within dental settings, do not typically fall under the category of dental assistants in the same context as the other three. Their primary role is in the dental laboratory, where they fabricate dental prosthetics or appliances, which is quite distinct from the direct patient care and practice management duties of chairside, administrative, and sterilization assistants. Therefore, identifying laboratory assistants as separate from the main types of dental assistants is accurate, making this distinction essential for understanding the diverse roles within a dental practice.