A lead dental assistant supports dentists during patient procedures and supervises other dental assistants. As a lead dental assistant, you perform a wide range of tasks like providing patient care, taking X-rays, recordkeeping, and scheduling appointments. You may also develop staff schedules, train dental assistants, and monitor staff performance during procedures. To become a lead dental assistant, you typically need professional training and certification at a community college or vocational school. You must also have prior work experience in a dental office or clinical environment. Additional qualifications include strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team.