Which of the following is a duty of a dental assistant?

Assisting the dentist chairside is a fundamental duty of a dental assistant. In this role, the dental assistant prepares the treatment area, provides instruments and materials needed during procedures, and helps manage the patient’s comfort and safety. They work directly with the dentist to facilitate the workflow, ensuring that assessments and treatments proceed smoothly. This role is crucial in maintaining efficient operations within the dental office and enhancing the patient’s overall experience during dental procedures.

The other options involve responsibilities that are outside the scope of a dental assistant's role. Conducting patient surgeries requires specialized training and is typically reserved for licensed dentists or oral surgeons. Writing dental prescriptions is also a task designated to licensed practitioners, who have the authority and training to prescribe medications. Diagnosing dental conditions is a clinical duty that must be performed by qualified dentists, as it requires comprehensive knowledge and the ability to make clinical decisions regarding the patient's dental health.