Some typical dental assistant duties include: prepping patients for treatment, obtaining dental records, handing instruments to the dentist, keeping the mouth dry through suction, sterilizing and disinfecting tools and equipment, prepping dental trays, and instructing patients on good oral hygiene. A dental assistant may not perform all of these duties. Some may specialize in office duties such as billing, records, scheduling appointments and maintaining supplies. Dental assistant careers are expected to keep growing and it is one of the fastest growing careers that does not require a degree. Median hourly earnings for dental assistants were $13.62 in 2007 which is respactable.