As a first-time dental assistant, you provide both administrative support for a dental office and procedural support for a dentist as they perform everything from routine cleanings to advanced dental procedures. As a new employee with little or no experience, your first months on the job may skew toward the administrative, with patient care responsibilities added as you become more familiar with the environment, receive further on-the-job training, and better understand your duties as a dental assistant. These duties include sterilizing instruments, performing x-rays, scheduling new and follow-up appointments, and proactively assisting where needed.