The impact of dental assistants in modern oral healthcare: A literature review

Dental assistants are integral to modern dentistry, who play a vital role in clinical workflows, infection control, and patient education. Despite such contributions, academic focus on their impact in clinical settings is limited. This study aims to present a review, based on available information, on the critical functions of dental assistants and the hurdles they face in medical environments. Peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines and reports from dental associations were synthesised to assess the roles, contributions and challenges faced by dental assistants. Dental assistants significantly enhance procedural efficiency by following four-handed dentistry, reduce infection risks by adhering to sterilization protocols and contribute to patient education. However, occupational ergonomic risks and limited professional recognition remain concerns. Recognizing the contributions of dental assistants can improve clinical efficiency and patient outcomes. Addressing ergonomic challenges and developing structured professional growth programs will further enhance their roles in dental healthcare.